Development Of A Process For Purifying Molybdenite Concentrates

A process has been developed for leaching copper, lead and calcium from molybdenite concentrate. The leachant is a solution containing an oxidizing chloride (e. g., CuC12, FeC13) and an alkaline earth metal chloride (e. g., CaC12). Cupric chloride and ferric chloride, in the presence of 20-30% calcium chloride, are effective oxidants for chalcopyrite and galena. Calcium chloride, in addition to promoting the rate of leaching, serves to lower the solution pH and raise the boiling point. Leaching for two hours at 110'~ with a 1 % CuC12-10% FeC13- 30% CaC12 solution results in the extraction of up to 98% of the copper in molybdenite, 98% of the lead, and 79% of the calcium. Less than 0. 5% of the molybdenum is dissolved. The leach solution can be rapidly and effectively regenerated with gaseous chlorine and recycled. Build-up of copper and lead in the leach solution is controlled by discarding about 30% of the leach solution each cycle.