EFFICIENT COPPER EXTRACTION FROM CHALCOPYRITE USING THE «GLYCOLIC ACID – ETHYLENE GLYCOL – SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE» SYSTEM

This research explores a sustainable and efficient method for extracting copper from chalcopyrite, utilizing an innovative leaching system composed of glycolic acid, ethylene glycol, and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). The optimal conditions identified were 1,0 M glycolic acid, 20% (v/v) ethylene glycol, 0,8% (w/v) SLS, and a temperature of 75°C, achieving up to 85% copper recovery. Glycolic acid plays a dual role, promoting the breakdown of the chalcopyrite structure and stabilizing copper ions in the solution. SLS improves the leaching efficiency by disrupting the passivating sulfur layer, allowing for better solution penetration. Additionally, ethylene glycol prevents the precipitation of sulfur, further enhancing the process. The combination of these components creates a synergistic effect that improves copper recovery while minimizing environmental impact. The findings suggest that this leaching system could serve as a sustainable and efficient alternative to the traditional pyrometallurgical methods, offering potential applications in industrial copper recovery processes.