Pyrite-assisted mechanochemical leaching of chalcopyrite concentrate in sulfuric acid under non-oxidative conditions

This study investigates the pyrite-assisted mechanochemical leaching of chalcopyrite concentrate in sulfuric acid under non-oxidative conditions, aimed at enhancing metal recovery processes. The objective is to evaluate the leaching efficiency and kinetics, focusing on the role of pyrite as an activator in the mechanochemical treatment. The methodology involved systematic experiments varying parameters such as the concentration of sulfuric acid, pyrite addition ratio, and milling time using a ball mill. The leaching results were analyzed through chemical assays and X-ray diffraction techniques to assess the mineralogical transformations. The results demonstrated a marked improvement in the dissolution rates of copper and iron from chalcopyrite when pyrite was incorporated, highlighting the synergistic effect of mechanochemistry and pyrite activation. The findings indicate that optimized conditions significantly enhance the leaching efficiency, making it a promising approach for the hydrometallurgical treatment of chalcopyrite. This research contributes valuable insights into efficient resource recovery from sulfide ores in a non-oxidative environment, potentially leading to more sustainable mining practices.