A comprehensive model for copper sulphide heap leaching: Part 1 Basic formulation and validation through column test simulation

This paper covers the basic formulation of a comprehensive copper heap leach model based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technology together with its parameterization and validation against laboratory column test data. For the column test data used here, the model formulation covers an ore with a mixture of chalcocite and pyrite in a column under leach with a ferric raffinate and includes the reaction kinetics of the dissolution of the key minerals within the context of a shrinking core algorithm to accurately model the leach behaviour. Precipitation species, the role of bacteria and the treatment of unsaturated fluid and gas flow in porous media is also described in the context of the model. The current work demonstrates the use of small column test leach data, including particle size distribution, to characterize the ore. The model was then used with the same parameter set to produce a good fit to results from larger columns and different crush sizes.

► A detailed and comprehensive 1D model of copper heap leaching is presented.
► Small column tests are used to parameterize the model for a specific ore type.
► Large column simulated predictions are in reasonable agreement to experimental data.
► The methodology can accurately predict results in different leaching regimes.