The Cu dissolution curve was characteriz

An attempt to determine the various phenomena at play and leaching mechanism of chalcopyrite dissolution was conducted on a chalcopyrite concentrate. The study was performed at atmospheric conditions, specifically at room temperature, in a stirred Erlenmeyer flask with 10% solid at free pH within an acidic sulfate system. It was observed that mineral dissolution was somewhat dependent on pH levels, with the copper dissolution curve indicating a rapid extraction of both copper and solid residue in the early stages. Characterization of the leachate solid residue, via X-ray diffraction, revealed intermediate mineral phases such as bornite, covellite, and chalcocite. Furthermore, thermodynamic calculations suggested feasible dissolution for bornite and chalcocite, while covellite was deemed refractory. Also identified among the dissolution reaction products were sulfur and gangue-related minerals. Challenges associated with slow dissolution kinetics were attributed to the formation of a passive layer on the mineral surface, with various hypotheses regarding its composition and formation mechanisms. This study contributes to the ongoing discourse on the dissolution mechanisms of chalcopyrite and highlights the complexities of its hydrometallurgical extraction.