Characterization and Optimization of Copper-Cobalt Oxide Ores During Acid Leaching

The copper-cobalt ore received from Congo contains around 2.0% copper and 0.356% cobalt, with oxidation rates of 92.09% and 88.57% for Cu and Co, respectively. Malachite and cornetite are the main copper minerals, while heterogenite and carrollite are the main Co-bearing minerals. To optimize the leaching efficiency of Cu and Co for this type of ore, various operating parameters were investigated, including particle size, pulp density, acidity, leaching time, and reductant. The recovery for Cu and Co can reach 88.36% and 74.58% under pulp density of 33%, acidity of 84 kg/t, leaching time of 4 h, and reductant 12 kg/t. In order to improve the metal recovery, an intensified operating condition (fine grinding, high acidity, and reductant) was applied, and the copper and Co recovery reached 93.07% and 89.56%, respectively.