Abstract: A method of recovering copper from chalcopyrite concentrate by chemical leaching, using pyrite and silver. The catalytic properties of pyrite in the chalcopyrite leaching process are significantly enhanced by pretreating the pyrite with silver ions. Particulate pyrite is exposed to a solution containing silver ions to form silver-treated pyrite. Particulate chalcopyrite and the silver-treated pyrite are mixed in an acidic sulfate leach solution. The copper is leached from the concentrate in the leach solution in the presence of an oxygen-containing gas, under conditions whereby the pyrite is substantially unoxidized. The leached copper is recovered from the solution by conventional methods. The used silver-treated pyrite is recycled to the leaching process.

Abstract: A method of recovering copper from chalcopyrite concentrate by chemical leaching, using pyrite and silver. The catalytic properties of pyrite in the chalcopyrite leaching process are significantly enhanced by pretreating the pyrite with silver ions. Particulate pyrite is exposed to a solution containing silver ions to form silver-treated pyrite. Particulate chalcopyrite and the silver-treated pyrite are mixed in an acidic sulfate leach solution. The copper is leached from the concentrate in the leach solution in the presence of an oxygen-containing gas, under conditions whereby the pyrite is substantially unoxidized. The leached copper is recovered from the solution by conventional methods. The used silver-treated pyrite is recycled to the leaching process.