Study of mathematical model and developed appropriate software for the heap leaching of oxide copper minerals

The factors affecting copper extraction in heap extraction method is a very important issue in recent researches. Mathematical modeling of the extraction method provides different views to design of such processes. In this paper، a mathematical model is proposed for copper heap extraction from spherical and porous particles based on mass balance associated with chemical reaction in an unstable condition. The model specifies the factors that affect the output، for example: input grading، time of solvent flow، accumulation، dispersion rate and solvent concentration. For the model verification and calibration، column leaching test were used. The results indicate that the model prediction has good agreement with experimental findings. The solid bed includes particles of Sarcheshmeh copper ore (Kerman) and the solvent is thin Sulfuric Acid. This model could be used as a very powerful tool for the prediction of copper extraction at various conditions.