Audited Supplier
Copper Cathode Plant is a facility where copper is refined from its raw form (usually copper ore or copper concentrate) into high-purity copper cathodes. These cathodes are the basic form of copper used in manufacturing and industry.
Key process for the copper cathode plant
Main production process introduction:
1. leaching
Heap Leaching: Crushed ore is piled up in heaps, and a leaching solution, usually sulfuric acid, is applied over the heap. The solution percolates through the heap, dissolving the copper from the ore as it moves downward.
Agitation Leaching: In some cases, the ore is placed in tanks, and the leaching solution is agitated to improve contact between the solution and the ore. This method is faster but requires more controlled conditions.
2. Solvent extraction
The copper-laden leach solution, called pregnant leach solution (PLS), is then subjected to solvent extraction. In this process, an organic solvent selectively binds with the copper ions, separating them from other impurities in the solution.
The copper is transferred from the aqueous phase to the organic phase. The remaining solution, called raffinate, is often recycled back to the leaching stage.
3. Electrowinning (EW)
The copper-rich organic solution is then mixed with an aqueous solution in a stripping stage, where copper ions are transferred back into an aqueous phase called the electrolyte.
In the electrowinning process, an electric current is passed through the electrolyte in an electrochemical cell. Copper ions are reduced and deposited onto stainless steel or copper starter sheets, forming high-purity copper cathodes.
4. Cathode Harvesting
The copper cathodes, which are typically 99.99% pure, are periodically harvested from the electrowinning cells. The sheets are removed, washed, and prepared for sale or further processing.
Our cathode copper production line is ideal for:
Copper Refineries: Large-scale operations focused on refining copper from ore to high-purity cathodes.
Mining Companies: Integrated solutions for mining operations that require in-house copper processing capabilities.
Metal Processing Plants: Facilities looking to expand their metal production with efficient and reliable copper refining.
| Production Capacity | Customizable from 10,000 to 500,000 tons/year |
| Copper Purity | Up to 99.99% |
| Operating Voltage | 220V/380V or we customize according to your local condition |
