A Copper Alliance Member
Topic Archives: Mining & Extraction
May. '04
Producing Copper Nature's Way: Bioleaching
Bioleaching is the extraction of a metal from sulfide ores or concentrates using materials found native to the environment; namely, water, air and microorganisms. In other words, bioleaching is the commercialization of the ability of certain bacteria and archaea, found in nature, to catalyze the oxidation of sulfide minerals.
Aug. '01
Introduction to Copper: Applications
This article is intended as an introduction to copper, describing the many ways in which the metal is so useful. The article also touches on copper's invaluable contribution to the health of plants, animals and mankind.
Aug. '01
How Hydrometallurgy and the SX/EW Process Made Copper the "Green" Metal
Copper is traditionally known as the "red" metal after its natural color. However, it is also known as a "green" metal for the green patina that it acquires due to weathering. Indeed, patinized copper is the architectural focal point of many modern buildings for its natural look.
Aug. '01
Phelps Dodge Morenci Has Converted All Copper Production to Mine-for-Leach
In early 2001, the Phelps Dodge Mining Company's Morenci, Arizona operations were completely converted from a conventional mining, milling, smelting and refining operation to a system whereby ore will be mined exclusively for leaching.
Nov. '99
Copper/Cobre 99 a Success
International conference confirms producers' strong interest in new technology.
Nov. '98
Copper: Technology & Standards
Brief history of copper mining techniques from earliest industrial mining days through flash smelting, electrorefining, solvent extraction and electrowinning. Also covers changes in fabrication and production techniques.
Sep. '98
Industries of the Future: New Technologies for the Mining Industry
The Department of Energy and the National Mining Association's agreement of June 1998 to launch a government/industry research and development partnership in mining as part of the DOE's "Industries of the Future" program.
Jun. '98
Trapping Sulphur
How Outokumpu flash smelting technology lowers emissions and costs while increasing capacity.
May. '98
The Secret to Staying Young
Utah's Bingham Canyon, an open pit mine goes from boom (1980) to bust (1982) and back to boom (today) through investment in new technology.
Apr. '98
Best of Both Worlds: Helping to Create a Good Environment to do Business
Mar. '98
The Butte Copper Mines
Brief history of Montana's copper mines, which began as gold and silver mines.
Mar. '98
Environmentally Friendly Permanent Mold Casting
North America is discovering the advantages of the permanent mold casting process, leading to increased use.
Nov. '97
How Do They Do That? Bringing Copper to Market
Step-by-step guide (with basic illustrations) from mining to shipping to smelting to trading to examples of how copper is used on a daily basis.
Nov. '97
How Do They Do That? In Situ Mining
Step-by-step guide (with basic illustrations) covering purpose and construction of in-situ copper mines.
Nov. '97
How Do They Do That? How Copper is Made
Step-by-step guide (with basic illustrations) travels from mine to mill crushing plant to mill concentrator to smelter to electrolytic refinery to rod plant or external customers. Also, oxide leaching and solvent extraction-electrowinning.
Nov. '97
Millions of Dollars Saved With Non-Traditional Shutdown Procedures
Details of the innovative "seven-day mini-shutdown" procedures developed and adopted by one of the world's largest and most productive copper smelters which is saving millions and increasing capacity without constructing new smelters.
Nov. '97
How Do They Do That? Wringing Sulfuric Acid out of Sulfur Dioxide Emissions
Step-by-step guide (with basic illustrations) showing how gas sulfur dioxide (a by-product of copper smelting) is made into sulfuric acid, the largest volume chemical in use in the world today.
Nov. '97
Traditional Pyrometallurgical Treatment of Concentrate
Review of copper mining technologies past and a look at new technologies of present and future.
Helpful Hints
Innovations was developed to cover technological changes involving copper.
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