A CUPRIC BROMIDE PROCESS FOR HYDROMETALLURGICAL RECOVERY OF COPPER

Copper(II) bromide in aqueous sodium bromide solution is shown to be an effective leaching agent for copper sulfides and ore concentrates. Furthermore, a flowsheet based on cupric bromide leaching is suggested for recovering copper from sulfide concentrates and alloys. Purification and removal of a number of metals from the leachate solution can be accomplished by hydroxide addition and precipitation although other special provisions may be required for removal of solubilized silver and mercury. Electrolysis of the purified copper (I) bromide solution can be accomplished readily to recover metallic copper and regenerate the copper (II) leachate solution. Advantages and complications of the copper (II) bromide system are discussed in comparison with those of the copper (II) chloride system. © 1990.