Copper Solvent Extraction and Electrowinning (SX-EW) Process Solution
2024-01-03
OverviewCopper solvent extraction and electrowinning (SX-EW) is a mature hydrometallurgical technology widely used for recovering copper from low-grade ores, heap leach solutions, and industrial process streams.
The SX-EW process enables efficient separation and purification of copper ions from leach solutions, producing high-purity cathode copper (99.99%). Compared with traditional pyrometallurgy, SX-EW offers lower energy consumption, reduced emissions, and improved recovery from low-grade resources.
Our company provides complete solvent extraction process solutions and key extraction equipment for laboratories, pilot plants, and industrial copper hydrometallurgy projects.Copper SX-EW Process Flow
1. Acid LeachingCopper-bearing ores are treated with sulfuric acid solution in heap leaching or tank leaching systems.
During the leaching process:
- Copper minerals dissolve into the solution
- Copper ions enter the aqueous phase
- A copper-containing pregnant leach solution (PLS) is generated
This solution becomes the feed for the solvent extraction process.
2. Solvent Extraction (SX)
The pregnant leach solution enters the solvent extraction system, where it contacts with an organic extractant.
In this stage:
- Copper ions selectively transfer from the aqueous phase into the organic phase
- Impurities remain in the aqueous phase
- The raffinate (copper-depleted solution) is returned to the leaching circuit after acid adjustment
Solvent extraction ensures high selectivity and purification of copper ions.
3. Stripping (Back Extraction)
The copper-loaded organic phase is then contacted with a strong sulfuric acid solution.
During the stripping process:
- Copper ions transfer from the organic phase back into the aqueous phase
- A concentrated copper sulfate electrolyte solution is produced
This electrolyte becomes the feed solution for the electrowinning stage.
4. Electrowinning (EW)
In the electrowinning stage, copper is recovered from the copper sulfate electrolyte through electrolysis.
During this process:
- Copper ions migrate to the cathode
- Metallic copper is deposited onto cathode plates
- High-purity copper cathodes are produced
The final product typically reaches 99.99% purity, meeting international copper standards.
Key Advantages of SX-EW Technology
SX-EW technology has become one of the most efficient methods for copper recovery due to the following advantages:
- High copper recovery efficiency
- Suitable for low-grade ores and complex leach solutions
- High product purity (up to 99.99%)
- Lower energy consumption compared with smelting
- Environmentally friendly hydrometallurgical process
- Continuous and scalable operation
Solvent Extraction Equipment for Copper SX-EW
We provide key equipment used in copper solvent extraction systems, including:
- Mixer Settler Extraction System
Widely used in industrial hydrometallurgical plants for large-scale copper extraction processes.
- Centrifugal Liquid-Liquid Extractor
High-efficiency phase separation equipment suitable for laboratory research, pilot plants, and continuous extraction processes.
- Pilot-Scale Hydrometallurgical Extraction Units
Designed for laboratory research institutes and process scale-up studies.
Applications
Our solvent extraction solutions are widely applied in:
➜Copper hydrometallurgy plants
➜Heap leaching copper projects
➜Mining and metallurgical companies
➜Research institutes and universities
➜Hydrometallurgical process development laboratories
Why Choose Our Extraction Equipment？
Our extraction systems are designed to support both laboratory research and industrial copper recovery processes.
Key features include:
✅High extraction efficiency
✅Compact equipment design
✅Stable continuous operation
✅Easy scale-up from lab to industrial scale
✅Customized process solutions for different leach systems
FAQ – Copper SX-EW Process
1. What is SX-EW in copper processing?
SX-EW stands for Solvent Extraction and Electrowinning, a hydrometallurgical process used to recover copper from leach solutions and produce high-purity cathode copper.
2.What is the advantage of solvent extraction in copper recovery?
Solvent extraction allows selective transfer of copper ions from leach solutions into an organic phase, enabling efficient purification and concentration before electrowinning.
3.What purity can SX-EW copper achieve?
Copper produced through SX-EW typically reaches 99.99% purity, meeting international cathode copper standards.
Please contact us for more details!
