SX-EW for Copper Oxide Ores
Heap leaching followed by SX-EW is the standard route for copper oxide ores (malachite, azurite) and secondary sulphides (chalcocite).
Heap Leach Design
Engineered pads with double HDPE liners, lift heights 6-10 m, leach cycles 60-120 days. PLS with 2-8 g/L Cu routed to SX.
Solvent Extraction
Mixer-settler SX circuits extract copper into organic phase. Strip solution produces 30-50 g/L Cu electrolyte for electrowinning.
Electrowinning
Electrolytic cells deposit 99.99% pure copper cathode. WSHT supplies complete EW plant design.