Charcterization of the dust of Sarcheshme copper complex furnaces to optimize the operational parameters of copper leaching process

Mineralogy and chemical composition are the main indicators for selecting operational parameters for copper leaching from mineral resources and smelting furnace dust. The main goal of this research is to evaluate the dust composition of chalcopyrite concentrate smelting furnaces to improve copper leaching efficiency. In this regard, for four months, samples were taken daily from the dust of the smelting furnaces of Sarcheshme copper complex. Using X-ray diffraction analysis, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy, and reflective light microscopy, the composition of the samples was determined, and leaching tests were designed and implemented to determine the main operational parameters.The results of this study showed that the grain size distribution of the samples did not change significantly during the sampling period, but the amount of some elements such as arsenic was variable and fluctuated between 0.17 and 3.90%. The changes of copper and iron were also about 2%. The results of leaching tests of flash furnace dust showed that the solid percentage, acid concentration and temperature are the most important operating parameters. Under the optimal operating conditions, about 65% of copper is dissolved without the use of an oxidizer within a maximum of 60 minutes. By using a two-stage electrochemical process, the conditions for extracting more than 95% of copper from flash furnace dust are provided.