Dynamic of Mining Systems: Impact of Cl− Ion Concentration on Heap Copper Leaching Process at Industrial Scale

Analytical models are of vital importance to study the dynamics complex systems, including heap leaching process. In this work, a methodology copper recovery in by means fit analytical that capture product variations agents as function feeding is proposed, establishing first mode operation keeping agent fixed (H2SO4) and second mode, where Cl− added accelerate reaction kinetics sulfide minerals (secondary sulfides). Mineral was modeled for different modes operation, dependent on independent variables/control parameters time, height, leach flow rate, feed granulometry. The results indicate ore from proportional addition Cl−, reaching levels approximately 60%, very close 65% conventional oxide leaching, using only H2SO4 agent. Additionally, high recoveries ores achieved at medium concentrations, but increase concentrations marginal.