Feasibility study of using agglomeration method in heap leaching stage of copper oxidized ore by polymeric binder

The most important factor in reducing the permeability of heap leaching, is the presence of fine particles which result in impermeable zones and channel streaming in the heap due to their movements along with the leaching agent in the aggregation areas. That’s why in Chahmousa copper mine, ore with 0-2 mm dimensions and with the copper grade of 1.34 %, could be separated before heap loading. In this research, in order to use the 0-2 mm fraction, the agglomeration method using inorganic compounds (sodium silicate, calcium sulfate) and non-ionic polymer compounds and cationic and anionic, is applied. The strength of bonding among particles is measured using soak test with fine migration parameter. Showing the least fine migration of 3.89%, based on the results, the most powerful bonding ties are agglomerates produced using non-ionic compounds. The reason for this increase in strength using non-ionic compounds is hydrogen bonding forces in which they are more effective aside with Van der Waals forces.