Potential for solar thermal energy in the heap bioleaching of chalcopyrite in Chilean copper mining

An economic analysis compares the capital cost of the solar thermal system to the revenue from additional copper extraction. The net present value and internal rate of return were positive for collector areas in the range of 10,000-150,000 m2 for a heap area of 200,000 m2. The peak NPV occurs at 50,000 m2 at which point an extractionof 76% is achieved over one year of leaching.