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Copper Cobalt Africa, incorporating the 9th Southern African Base Metals Conference

Albert Kashala, Godfrey Mitshabu

2017Englishsolvent extractionhydrometallurgyliquid-liquid extractionsx-ewcopper miningcobalt mining

Abstract

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This study addresses the challenges of managing mixing continuity in a solvent-extraction (SX) plant under conditions of high silica content in the leach solution, which was experienced at Ruashi Mining in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The objective was to investigate the operational issues caused by silica polymerization and high crud levels, which led to significant production losses. A combination of operational adjustments and procedural implementations was analyzed to enhance the continuity of mixers in the presence of high silica. The methodology included increasing the organic flow, which ranged from 10 to 17% above design parameters, to mitigate crud entrapment and the associated negative impacts on copper cathode quality. Results indicated that operational stability could be maintained by optimizing the organic-to-aqueous (O/A) ratio, allowing for a smoother operation of the SX plant despite high silica levels. This approach not only helped recover copper and cobalt production but also highlighted the importance of continuous crud removal in maintaining the efficiency of solvent extraction processes. Ultimately, the findings suggest viable strategies for improving operational resilience in mining contexts with similar challenges.

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Cite This Work

@article{fd1cd989-79cd-498b-8929-4e8227ccf9a0,
  title={Copper Cobalt Africa, incorporating the 9th Southern African Base Metals Conference},
  author={Albert Kashala and Godfrey Mitshabu},
  year={2017},
  language={English}
}
TY  - JOUR
TI  - Copper Cobalt Africa, incorporating the 9th Southern African Base Metals Conference
AU  - Albert Kashala
AU  - Godfrey Mitshabu
PY  - 2017
LA  - English
ER  -

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