–PhD Thesis–

This thesis presents the development of effective processes for the recovery of copper from low-grade copper resources, specifically focusing on flotation and high-pressure oxidative leaching technologies. The objective is to address the challenges posed by the increasing prevalence of low-grade copper ores, which are often overlooked due to their perceived low economic viability. A comprehensive methodology was employed, including laboratory experiments and optimization studies to evaluate the efficiency of the proposed recovery processes. Key variables such as reagent types, operational conditions, and process parameters were systematically varied and analyzed to determine their influence on copper recovery rates. Results indicate that both flotation and leaching demonstrate significant potential in recovering copper from low-grade ores, achieving satisfactory recovery percentages that could contribute positively to the overall economics of copper production. The thesis concludes with recommendations for further research and suggests that integrating these methodologies could enhance the sustainability of copper resource management in mining operations. Overall, the findings underscore the importance of innovative approaches in the extraction of valuable metals from less accessible resources.