Reducing Specific Energy to Shrink the C

This paper examines various technologies and strategies aimed at reducing specific energy consumption in copper electrowinning facilities to minimize their carbon footprint. The study focuses on a specific operational site in Zaldívar, a Barrick mining operation in Chile, where the production level averages 140,000 tons of copper cathodes annually. Through the implementation of the tested technologies, it is projected that the facility could save approximately 14,000 MWh of energy and reduce carbon emissions by 14,000 tons per year. The methodology involves optimizing two critical variables: the average cell voltage and current efficiency, enhancing the overall energy performance of the electrowinning process. The findings highlight the potential for significant energy savings and emissions reduction, thereby contributing to more sustainable practices in the mining industry. The results showcase the implications of specific energy reduction strategies and offer valuable insights for future advancements in copper electrowinning technology.