Galvanic dissolution of chalcopyrite in sulphate media in the presence of ferric ion and using pyrite as a catalyst

Chalcopyrite is one of the most resistant minerals against leaching, because of passive layer formation around chalcopyrite particles during leaching. High pressure process, bioleaching, ultra fine grinding and catalyst such as silver ion, chloride ion and activated carbon for enhancing the leaching of chalcopyrite in sulphate media have been used. In this investigation, pure pyrite was used as a catalyst for enhancing the chalcopyrite leaching. The effect of some important factors in galvanic leaching such as stirring speed, pyrite to chalcopyrite ratio, solution potential, temperature and initial acid concentration were investigated. Experimental results showed that maximum copper recovery (96%) in 24 hour was obtained in stirring speed 1150 rpm, pyrite to chalcopyrite ratio 4, solution potential 410 mV, temperature 85 and initial sulfuric acid concentration of 45gr/lit.