Copper recovery from ore by liquid-liquid extraction using aqueous two-phase system

► A green method for Cu(II) extraction of ore concentrate was developed. ► Selective separation of Cu(II) and Zn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cd(II), Mn(II), Al(III) and Fe(III) was obtained. ► The method is environmental safe, low cost and easy for scale up. ► The liquid-liquid extraction is without use of organic solvent.