Exotic agglomerated Cu ore - Chile

Objective

Define an operational condition that would allow heap leaching of fine-rich resource (20% to 25% minus 200 mesh). Initial attempt by client resulted in slope failure after 43 days of operation with a total recovery of 8% CuT.

Approach

Hydrodynamic characterization of material combined with metallurgical column tests to define expected hydrodynamic behavior and metallurgical performance

Results

• Turn a failed project into a viable resource (150 MTons of 0.45% CuT)
• Technical breakthrough: demonstrated that leaching of a fine-rich ore is technically feasible
• Assist client with design and operation of pilot test heaps which attained adequate level of recovery (58% CuT) under favorable operational conditions