How Is Copper Extracted from Its Ore?

2025-07-26

Copper is extracted from its ores through a series of processes, which vary depending on the type of ore (sulfide or oxide). Below is a step-by-step explanation of the methods used for copper extraction:

1. كەنتتەن چىقىرىش

• Ore Extraction: Copper is typically found in ore forms such as chalcopyrite (CuFeS₂), malachite (Cu₂CO₃(OH)₂), or cuprite (Cu₂O).
• The ore is mined from open pits or underground mines.

2. Concentration of Ore

• The mined ore contains impurities and a low percentage of copper. It is concentrated by:
  • تۆكۈش ۋە ئىتلەرەڭ.: The ore is crushed into small pieces and ground into fine powder.
  • Froth Flotation (for sulfide ores): Finely ground ore is mixed with water, chemicals, and air. Copper-rich particles attach to air bubbles and float to the surface, forming a froth that is skimmed off.

3. Conversion to Copper

The concentrated ore is processed further depending on its type:

A. Sulfide Ores (e.g., Chalcopyrite)

1. ئوخشاماق:

   • The concentrated ore is heated in the presence of air.
   • Sulfides are converted into oxides, releasing sulfur dioxide gas:\[2CuFeS_2 + O_2 \rightarrow Cu_2S + 2FeS + SO_2\]

2. ئەتىلش:

   • The roasted ore is heated in a furnace with silica and flux.
   • Iron impurities combine with silica to form slag, and copper matte (Cu₂S) is obtained.

3. Conversion to Blister Copper:

   • Copper matte is heated in a converter with oxygen.
   • Sulfur is removed as sulfur dioxide, and blister copper (~99% pure) is produced:\[Cu_2S + O_2 \rightarrow 2Cu + SO_2\]

4. ئاقلاپ قايتۇرۇش:

   • Blister copper is purified via electrolysis. Copper acts as the anode, and pure copper is deposited at the cathode.
   • Impurities settle as anode sludge.

B. Oxide Ores (e.g., Malachite, Cuprite)

1. : زۇمرەت كونسېنتراسىيىسىدىن تۈنلۈكنى بوسمىغا كېلىش بەكاسىم، زۇمرەت ساياھىتى جەريانىدا خىمىيەلەشتۈرۈلگەن بوسۇنۇشتۇر.:

   • Oxide ores are treated with a leaching agent (e.g., sulfuric acid) to dissolve the copper:\[CuO + H_2SO_4 \rightarrow CuSO_4 + H_2O\]

2. Solvent Extraction and Electrowinning (SX-EW):

   • Copper is extracted from the leach solution using a solvent extraction process.
   • The copper-rich solution is then subjected to ئېلېكترلىق جەدەللەشتۈرۈش , where copper is deposited on cathodes as pure metal.

4. Final Purification

• The extracted copper is further purified to achieve high levels of purity, often over 99.9%, for industrial use.

مۇھىت ئاسراش

• Copper extraction produces waste products like slag, sulfur dioxide, and tailings, which require proper management to minimize environmental impact.

Prominer (Shanghai) Mining Technology Co., Ltd. specializes in providing complete mineral processing and advanced materials solutions globally. Our core focus includes: gold processing, lithium ore beneficiation, industrial minerals. Specializing in anode material production and graphite processing.

Products include: Grinding & Classification, Separation & Dewatering, Gold Refining, Carbon/Graphite Processing and Leaching Systems.

We offer end-to-end services including engineering design, equipment manufacturing, installation, and operational support, backed by 24/7 expert consultation.

Our Website Url: https://www.prominetech.com/
Our Email: [email protected]
Our Sales: +8613918045927(Richard), +8617887940518(Jessica), +8613402000314(Bruno)