SONOELECTROCHEMICAL PROCESSING OF METAL SULPHIDE CONCENTRATES
Process for the treatment of concentrates of copper sulphurates such as chalcopyrite realised in a cell formed by walls and a floor having in the interior thereof at least two chambers, a first anodic chamber having an anode and a first membrane, a second cathodic chamber having a cathode and a second membrane, wherein said process comprises the following stages: a) preparation of the electrolyte outside said chambers by a combination of sulphuric and hydrochloric acids with water; b) charging the first anodic chamber and second cathodic chamber with the electrolyte prepared in stage a); c) charging the concentrate of copper sulphides into the anodic chamber; d) stirring the anolyte mixed with the chalcopyrite; e) connecting the electrodes of the cell to the source of electric energy to generate chlorine at the anode; f1) generation of ultrasonic waves in the anodic chamber to destroy the layer of sulphur covering the particles of chalcopyrite, significantly improving the rate of lixiviation; f2) simultaneously in the cathodic chamber, electrodeposition of metallic copper from the copper lixiviated in the anodic chamber; g) adjustment of the electric potential of the cell to produce deposition of the copper, preventing some undesirable reduction reactions of other ionic species present in the solution; h) adjustment of the temperature to approximately 50°C; i) continually feeding the anolyte of the cell with concentrate of copper sulphides and water such as to continually generate the species HCl, H2SO4, FeSO4 and CuSO4, all thereof existing dissolved in ionic form; and j) continuous removal of catholyte solution from the cathodic chamber.