Thermodynamic modeling of atmospheric hydrometallurgical removal of chalcopyrite from molybdenite concentrates

Hydrometallurgical leaching is a critical step in reducing the impurity content of molybdenite concentrates; the removal of copper by this method has been widely studied from an industrial perspective. An understanding of the thermodynamic conditions leading to the removal of chalcopyrite from molybdenite concentrates is necessary to guide process optimization and future developments. Thermodynamic modeling software was used to identify process conditions for complete copper leaching in the traditional ferric chloride system, which agree with conditions typically used in industry; these were then extended to investigate alternative leaching reagents. Thermodynamic modeling, coupled with an understanding of process conditions, can guide future study.