Development and commercial demonstration of the BiOCOP™ thermophile process

被引：83

作者：

Batty, J. D. ^{[1
]}

Rorke, G. V. ^{[1
]}

机构：

[1] BHP Billiton JTC, ZA-2125 Randburg, South Africa

来源：

HYDROMETALLURGY | 2006年 / 83卷 / 1-4期

关键词：

BioCOP (TM); copper sulphides; copper concentrate; chalcopyrite; thermophiles; bioleaching; scale-up; technology development; BHP Billiton; Codelco; Alliance Copper Limited; Lightnin (R); Stebbins; stirred tanks;

D O I：

10.1016/j.hydromet.2006.03.049

中图分类号：

TF [冶金工业];

学科分类号：

0806 ;

摘要：

The paper describes the engineering development of the BioCOP(TM) process, from pilot-scale to full-scale commercial demonstration at the Chuquicamata Mine in Chile, with a design production rate of 20000 t copper per annum. BioCOP(TM) Process is owned by BHP Billiton. The BioCOP(TM) Process has been specifically developed for treatment of concentrates not suitable for commercial smelting due to the content of deleterious elements, such as arsenic, which is harmful to the environment. The process utilises thermophilic microorganisms operating at temperatures up to 80 degrees C to leach copper sulphide mineral concentrates. The copper is subsequently recovered by conventional solvent extraction and electrowinning, producing a high value copper metal product. The paper describes the importance of staged development to ensure correct definition of scale-up criteria for commercial plant design. The design and operation of the Commercial Demonstration Plant is also described a "World First" for bioleaching using thermophilic microorganisms for commercial treatment of primary copper sulphide concentrates. (C) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

引用

页码：83 / 89

页数：7