1606 XXXI International Mineral Processing Congress 2024 Proceedings/Washington, DC/Sep 29–Oct 3
bed scales, as well as on the solution. To obtain data from
these scales, this methodology combines 3D images from
micro computed tomography (micro-CT) and 2D images
from scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray
spectroscopy (SEM/EDX), as well as surface-level informa-
tion obtained through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
(XPS). In addition to using these techniques, the meth-
odology involves separating a single leaching column into
shorter ones arranged in series. This allows extracting solu-
tions and solid samples from intermediate points within
the leaching system. This is desirable as it enables assessing
the spatial heterogeneity of these systems more thoroughly.
The solution samples collected from different locations
are then analysed using conventional assays to determine
key properties, such as their pH and the concentration of
extracted metals.
In addition to introducing the methodology, this paper
will show how it can produce data that can be transformed
into insights about the column leaching process to under-
stand it more thoroughly. The results shown in this paper
are not a display of the full extent of the analyses that can
be performed with the obtained data, which is beyond the
scope of this work. Instead, this paper will highlight the
type of data that the methodology can produce and how it
can be refined afterwards through further data processing.
To produce the data and showcase the methodology, the
multimodal approach was applied to the study of copper
leaching from a low-grade chalcopyrite ore.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Ore Characteristics
The sample used to showcase the designed methodology
was a low-grade copper sulphide ore originating from the
Kennecott Utah Bingham Canyon mine. The selected par-
ticle size fraction for this study was within the range of
2.36–10 mm (d80≅6.40 mm). The particles in this size
fraction had an average density of 2.60±0.01 g/cm3. The
elemental characterisation of the ore is reported in Table 1.
Experimental Setup and Leaching Procedure
Instead of operating a single column, three shorter columns
(~18 cm tall and ~3.5 cm diameter) were packed with the
ore and were arranged in series: the outlet of each column
served as the feed to the next one as shown in Figure 1.
The bottom of each column is fitted with a small chamber
where additional particles can be stored. These chambers
can be opened to extract and reinsert solid samples (remov-
able samples A-D in Figure 1) without disrupting the main
Table 1. Elemental and mineralogical characterisation of the
ore
Element Composition based on chemical assays
Copper 0.44±0.01%
Iron 2.34±0.01%
Sulphur 0.64±0.06%
Figure 1. Schematic of the column leaching setup
bed scales, as well as on the solution. To obtain data from
these scales, this methodology combines 3D images from
micro computed tomography (micro-CT) and 2D images
from scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray
spectroscopy (SEM/EDX), as well as surface-level informa-
tion obtained through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
(XPS). In addition to using these techniques, the meth-
odology involves separating a single leaching column into
shorter ones arranged in series. This allows extracting solu-
tions and solid samples from intermediate points within
the leaching system. This is desirable as it enables assessing
the spatial heterogeneity of these systems more thoroughly.
The solution samples collected from different locations
are then analysed using conventional assays to determine
key properties, such as their pH and the concentration of
extracted metals.
In addition to introducing the methodology, this paper
will show how it can produce data that can be transformed
into insights about the column leaching process to under-
stand it more thoroughly. The results shown in this paper
are not a display of the full extent of the analyses that can
be performed with the obtained data, which is beyond the
scope of this work. Instead, this paper will highlight the
type of data that the methodology can produce and how it
can be refined afterwards through further data processing.
To produce the data and showcase the methodology, the
multimodal approach was applied to the study of copper
leaching from a low-grade chalcopyrite ore.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Ore Characteristics
The sample used to showcase the designed methodology
was a low-grade copper sulphide ore originating from the
Kennecott Utah Bingham Canyon mine. The selected par-
ticle size fraction for this study was within the range of
2.36–10 mm (d80≅6.40 mm). The particles in this size
fraction had an average density of 2.60±0.01 g/cm3. The
elemental characterisation of the ore is reported in Table 1.
Experimental Setup and Leaching Procedure
Instead of operating a single column, three shorter columns
(~18 cm tall and ~3.5 cm diameter) were packed with the
ore and were arranged in series: the outlet of each column
served as the feed to the next one as shown in Figure 1.
The bottom of each column is fitted with a small chamber
where additional particles can be stored. These chambers
can be opened to extract and reinsert solid samples (remov-
able samples A-D in Figure 1) without disrupting the main
Table 1. Elemental and mineralogical characterisation of the
ore
Element Composition based on chemical assays
Copper 0.44±0.01%
Iron 2.34±0.01%
Sulphur 0.64±0.06%
Figure 1. Schematic of the column leaching setup