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| Effects of additives and organic matter on copper electrowinning process and cathode quality under high current density |
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Received:September 20, 2024
Revised:November 19, 2024
Accepted:January 14, 2025
Published Online:April 30, 2026
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| DOI：10.3969/j.issn.1005-7854.2026.01.014 |
| KeyWord:high-current-density copper electrowinning;guar gum;thiourea;organic matter content;cathode copper quality;current efficiency;electrowinning energy consumption |
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| 1.Zijin Mining Group Co. Ltd., Shanghang 364200, Fujian, China;2.Xiamen Zijin Mining and Metallurgy Technology Co. Ltd., Xiamen 361000, Fujian, China |
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| Abstract: |
| To meet the needs of production expansion and optimization of the electrowinning process at a copper-cobalt hydrometallurgical plant in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), this study systematically conducted high-current-density copper electrowinning experiments using customized equipment under on-site production conditions. The investigation focused on the comprehensive effects of current density, additive (guar gum and thiourea) dosage, and organic matter (oil) content in the electrolyte on cathode copper morphology, quality, and energy consumption. The results indicate that under the conditions of a current density of 320 A·m?2, copper ion concentration of 52.24 g·L?1, sulfuric acid concentration of 175 g·L?1, and organic matter content of 25 ppm (1 ppm=10?6) in the electrolyte, by controlling the electrolyte temperature at 40~42 ℃ and flow rate at 75 L·m?2·h?1 (copper ion concentration difference of 4~4.5 g·L?1), and optimizing additive dosages (guar gum 150 g·t?1 Cu, thiourea 50 g·t?1 Cu), high-quality cathode copper with a smooth, dense appearance and chemical composition meeting Grade A copper standards can be obtained. The corresponding current efficiency reached 96.87%, with a specific energy consumption of 1, 940.99 kWh per ton of copper. This study defines the process control window for producing high-quality cathode copper under high current density, providing key parameter guidance for efficient and stable industrial production. |
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