Leaching of chalcopyrite concentrate with ferric chloride

Abstract In this study the kinetic leaching characteristics of chalcopyrite concentrate from Cuba (32.3% Cu) were investigated with granularities − 315 + 200 μm as delivered. The value of the apparent activation energy was determined to E A = 55 ± 5 kJ/mol, which is in agreement with published results. Microscopic and X-ray diffractometric investigations have confirmed that by measurement of real structure changes the assumed reaction chemism and the mechanism of chalcopyrite leaching can be observed.