Metso has introduced its innovative Cu POX leaching process, designed to enhance efficiency and sustainability in copper extraction.
As ore compositions evolve due to deposit depletion and growing environmental and operational demands, this state-of-the-art solution optimizes copper recovery while minimizing environmental impact, Metso announced on Wednesday.
The Cu POX process is a well-established hydrometallurgical technique tailored for processing copper sulfide concentrates at lower capacities. At its core lies Metso’s proprietary OKTOP autoclave unit, where high-pressure and high-temperature oxidation convert copper concentrate into a copper-bearing pregnant leach solution (PLS).
This PLS undergoes further treatment through solvent extraction and electrowinning, ultimately yielding high-purity LME Grade A copper cathodes.
“Copper sulfide minerals require specific leaching conditions for optimal recovery. Metso’s Cu POX leaching leverages high-temperature oxidation to transform sulfide sulfur into sulfate and sulfuric acid, ensuring efficient copper dissolution,” explained Petteri Pesonen, Technology Manager for Copper Hydrometallurgy at Metso.
“This advanced solution delivers exceptional performance, achieving up to 99% copper recovery rates. Additionally, the process reduces environmental impact by lowering emissions and optimizing resource use through closed-loop steps that minimize water consumption,” Pesonen added.
Metso emphasizes that the Cu POX process is highly adaptable to different capacities and raw material compositions. Its pre-engineered process and equipment package enable rapid production ramp-up and seamless integration with existing solvent extraction and electrowinning (SX-EW) infrastructure. Furthermore, Cu POX technology can enhance existing heap leaching/SX-EW operations, compensating for depleting heap leaching PLS production.
Metso offers comprehensive support throughout the process, from batch testing, modeling, and pilot trials to engineering, equipment supply, plant commissioning, and training. Additionally, the company provides after-sales services, spare parts, and digital solutions to optimize continuous plant performance and efficiency.