A short conclusion on the project extraction of copper from its ore chalcopyrit by the elestrolysis methode
Answers
Chalcopyrite (also known as copper pyrites) and similar sulphide ores are the commonest ores of copper. The ores typically contain low percentages of copper and have to be concentrated by, for example, froth flotation before refining.
Note: You will find a brief description of froth flotation on the introduction to metal extraction page.
The process
The concentrated ore is heated strongly with silicon dioxide (silica), calcium carbonate and air or oxygen in a furnace or series of furnaces.
The copper(II) ions in the chalcopyrite are reduced to copper(I) sulphide (which is reduced further to copper metal in the final stage).
The iron in the chalcopyrite ends up converted into an iron(II) silicate slag which is removed.
Most of the sulphur in the chalcopyrite turns into sulphur dioxide gas. This is used to make sulphuric acid via the Contact Process.