Tag Archives: LixTRA

BASF and hydroGEOPHYSICS to pair solutions to optimise copper leach extraction

Base metals, Environmental, Mineral processing, , , , , ,

Global chemical company BASF and hydroGEOPHYSICS Inc (HGI) have announced an exclusive partnership aimed at combining expertise in mineral processing, hydrometallurgy and deep well injection.

The collaboration aims to optimise copper extraction in the mining industry by using HGI’s geophysical techniques to identify areas within the heap that currently offer poor recovery and will involve the design and implementation of a deep well injection program, incorporating BASF’s LixTRA leach aid to facilitate a significant uplift in copper extraction.

HGI employs state-of-the-art geophysical technologies to characterise the structural components of heap leach pads, enabling the design, operation and monitoring of targeted lixiviant injection wells, the companies explain. By adding BASF’s LixTRA leach aid, greater ore-lixiviant contact is made, which ultimately leads to higher copper dissolution and increased metal recovery. Initial results from a customer’s site have demonstrated a 20% increase in copper recovery during the trial period, prompting further testing on a larger scale to quantify the benefits, they added.

Caren Hoffman, Vice President Mining Solutions at BASF, said: “Technological advancements are essential if the industry is to meet the projected copper demand going forward. Using HGI’s expertise to identify areas of poor heap leach performance and then targeting these areas through deep well technology and BASF’s LixTRA reagent is a great example of how partnerships can drive sustainable process improvements in the mining industry.”

Brian Cubbage, Executive Vice President, Operations at HGI, added: “Enhancing copper recovery is a sustainable and safe manner is the main focus for most of the mines HGI works with. Leveraging HGI’s expertise in locating and enhancing copper recovery in underperforming areas in heap leach pads, with applying BASF’s LixTRA reagent through our injection programs, has provided a significant boost in the efficiency of copper recovery.”

BASF and Moleaer join up to tackle primary copper sulphide leaching issues

Base metals, Mineral processing, Mining services, Sustainable mining, , , , , , , ,

BASF and Moleaer™ Inc have announced an exclusive partnership to combine expertise in mineral processing, hydrometallurgy, gas transfer and nanobubble technology to develop what they say are innovative processes for mining.

The initial aim is to target the copper leaching process and improve extraction rates of copper ores containing high levels of chalcopyrite, which have historically been difficult to leach.

The companies explained: “Copper is extracted from primary sulphide ores through a flotation process and low-grade ores are traditionally discarded because they are too costly to process. Currently, an alternative hydrometallurgical heap leach process is employed for low-grade oxide and secondary sulphide ores. It is, however, very difficult to leach primary sulfide ores, such as chalcopyrite, which leads to low recovery efficiencies.”

Based on test work conducted by BASF, Moleaer’s nanobubble technology improves the extraction process of valuable metals such as copper.

When combined with BASF’s LixTRA™ reagent, the mineral recovery rates and efficiencies are compounded, especially in sulphide-based ores, such as chalcopyrite, they claim.

Caren Hoffman, who leads the global mining solutions business at BASF, stated: “Technological improvements and collaborations like the one we announced today are essential if the industry is to maximise the recovery of copper at existing mines. By combining BASF’s LixTRA reagent, allowing greater ore-lixiviant contact, together with Moleaer’s nanobubble technology to facilitate a higher oxidative environment, we offer technology to the industry to significantly increase copper recoveries.”

Nick Dyner, CEO of Moleaer, added: “We look forward to working with BASF, a global leader in mineral extraction chemistry, to improve the recovery of copper and help support the green economy. This important collaboration comes at a time when the ability of mining copper is only getting more costly and challenging. Moleaer’s nanobubble technology will allow the mining industry to improve the efficiency and efficacy in existing mines and narrow the gap between supply and demand of copper.”