Metso, a prominent player in the mining industry, has recently unveiled a groundbreaking innovation in copper extraction known as the Cu POX leaching process. This cutting-edge solution comes at a crucial juncture when ore compositions are evolving due to depleting deposits and escalating environmental and efficiency requirements.

The Cu POX process, a well-established hydrometallurgical technique tailored for handling copper sulfide concentrates at smaller capacities, revolves around Metso’s proprietary OKTOP autoclave unit. Within this setup, copper concentrate undergoes oxidation under high pressure and temperature, yielding a copper-bearing pregnant leach solution (PLS). Subsequently, the PLS undergoes further treatment through solvent extraction and electrowinning processes, culminating in the recovery of copper in the form of high-purity LME Grade A cathodes.

Petteri Pesonen, a seasoned technology manager specializing in copper hydrometallurgy, emphasizes the significance of specific leaching conditions for copper sulfide minerals to achieve optimal recovery rates. The Cu POX leaching process harnesses high-temperature oxidation to convert sulfide sulfur into sulfate and sulfuric acid, thereby facilitating efficient copper dissolution. Pesonen underscores that this innovative technology not only ensures high copper recovery rates of up to 99% but also minimizes environmental impact by curbing emissions and optimizing resource utilization through closed-loop process steps that reduce water consumption.

Metso asserts that the Cu POX process is adaptable to various capacities and raw material compositions. The preconfigured process and equipment package facilitate rapid production ramp-up and seamless integration with solvent extraction and electrowinning infrastructure. Moreover, the Cu POX plant can be deployed to enhance existing heap leaching/SX-EW operations, particularly in scenarios involving depleting heap leaching PLS production.

Metso’s comprehensive suite of services encompasses everything from batch tests, modeling, and pilot tests to engineering, equipment deliveries, plant commissioning, and training. Additionally, the company offers services, spare parts, and digital solutions to optimize continuous process and plant performance, ensuring a holistic approach to operational excellence.

Overall, Metso’s Cu POX leaching process represents a significant leap forward in the realm of copper extraction, promising enhanced efficiency, environmental sustainability, and operational flexibility. As the mining industry continues to evolve, such innovative solutions are pivotal in meeting the sector’s evolving demands while ensuring responsible resource utilization and environmental stewardship.