Galvanic interactions of sulfide minerals in leaching of flotation concentrate from Lubin concentrator

The study investigates the galvanic interactions of sulfide minerals during the leaching process of flotation concentrates from the Lubin concentrator, aiming to enhance copper recovery from complex ores. Measurements were performed on copper sulfide electrodes and pyrite, using deoxygenated and oxygen-saturated sulfuric acid solutions. Significant galvanic interactions were noted, particularly when copper sulfides were short-circuited with pyrite, leading to high potential differences. The mineralogical composition of the Lubin concentrate was predominantly chalcocite and bornite, with minor presence of chalcopyrite and covellite, highlighting the unique characteristics of Polish copper deposits. The findings suggest that these galvanic interactions can effectively promote the kinetics of copper leaching from the concentrates, thus providing practical implications for improving the efficiency of flotation processing in the copper industry. Overall, the results indicate the potential benefits of leveraging sulfide-sulfide interactions in optimizing leaching operations, particularly in challenging ore types that contain shale and other complex mineral matrices.