Copper ore/chalcopyrite is treated through the following processes to extract pure copper.

Question

1. Pulverization
2. Concentration/froth floatation
3. Roasting
4. Smelting
5. Besemerisation
6. Electro refining
Write a very brief summary of the above process. Also state it's advantages and disadvantages

Answer 1

The process of extracting pure copper from copper ore, specifically chalcopyrite, involves several steps:

1. Pulverization: The copper ore is crushed into smaller particles to increase the surface area for further processing.

2. Concentration/froth flotation: The pulverized ore is mixed with water and chemicals to create a slurry. Air is blown through the mixture to create bubbles, which adhere to the copper sulfide minerals (chalcopyrite). The minerals are then collected and separated from the rest of the ore.

3. Roasting: The concentrated copper minerals are heated in a furnace to remove impurities and convert the minerals into copper oxide.

4. Smelting: The copper oxide is further heated with coke (a form of carbon) in a furnace to reduce the copper oxide and obtain molten copper.

5. Bessemerization: The molten copper obtained from smelting is further heated and oxidized to remove impurities such as sulfur.

6. Electrorefining: The purified copper is dissolved in an electrolyte solution, and electricity is passed through it. This process facilitates the transfer of copper ions to a cathode, resulting in the deposition of pure copper on the cathode.

Advantages:
- High-grade copper can be extracted from low-grade ores.
- The process allows for the recovery of valuable copper from various sources.
- It is a cost-effective method for large-scale production of pure copper.

Disadvantages:
- The process requires significant energy input, contributing to environmental challenges and high production costs.
- It generates waste materials and by-products, such as sulfur dioxide emissions and slag, which need to be properly managed.
- The process can result in the release of harmful emissions and pollutants if not properly controlled and regulated.