SUSTAINABLE MINING: IMPROVEMENT OF BYPRODUCTS

EXPLOITATION THROUGH NON-DISPERSIVE SOLVENT

EXTRACTION FOR H2SO4 AND COPPER RECYCLING FROM
GOLD MINING WASTEWATER

Eduardo A.Torres¹,²*, Victor R.Moreira¹, Julio C.Balarini², Míriam C.Amaral¹

1
Department of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Minas Gerais,
6627, Antônio Carlos Avenue, Campus Pampulha, MG, Brazil

2
Chemical Engineering Department, Federal University of Minas Gerais, 6627, Antônio Carlos
Avenue, Campus Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil

*Corresponding author e-mail: eatorres4012@gmail.com; eatorres@ufmg.br (Eduardo A. Torres)

The wastewater from the pressure oxidation process is a complex stream enriched in
sulfuric acid and dissolved metallic species, conventionally treated by neutralization, a
technique that does not allow for by-product recovery. Previous studies focused on water
recovery from the wastewater by membrane distillation, and the concern related to
concentrate production after water is recovered is now addressed by using hollow-fiber
membrane contactors in non-dispersive solvent extraction processes intended for sulfuric
acid and copper recycling. Tris(2-ethylhexyl)amine (TEHA), Aliquat 336, and Lix 84-I
were used as extractants, the first two for acid recovery and the latter for copper. It was
investigated the contribution of different organic phases flow rate (4 – 12 cm³/s), organic
phase composition (5 – 15 wt.%), and temperature (30 – 60 °C) on the performance of
hollow fiber membrane contactors, with an in-depth disclosure of mass transfer
phenomena limiting the extraction efficiency. The acid and copper recovery from
membrane distillation concentrate achieved values >91%, which represents an acid
stream containing 5.86 g-H2SO4/L and an aqueous copper solution with a concentration of
269.0 mg/L, both at high purity. Preliminary economic analysis suggested that the mineral
acid would present slightly higher costs than currently practiced (0.34 US$/kgH2SO4;
market prices: 0.03 – 0.11 US$/kgH2SO4), although the operational costs related to copper
were lower (7.84 US$/kgCu; market prices: 10.31 US$/kgCu). In a broad context, the
opportunity for acid and sulfuric acid recycling has the potential to extend sustainability
in the mining sector. Sustainable practices, such as water recirculation obtained through
membrane distillation, can help address the water crisis in mining industries.
Additionally, opportunities for H2SO4 and copper recycling can extend sustainability in
the mining sector, improving gold recovery, reducing CO2 production, and potentially
increasing market competitiveness.