Patent ID: 6905532
Filing Date: 2005-06-14
Classification: C02F,C22B,Y02P

Abstract:
1. A process for producing a copper-containing aqueous solution, comprising dissolving a copper mass in the presence of an oxidant in an aqueous leach liquor containing monoethanolamine and monoethanolammonium carbonate (HMEA) 2 CO 3 , and maintaining the pH of the aqueous leach liquor between 8 and 13, wherein said aqueous leach liquor is produced by partially carbonating the monoethanolamine, the aqueous leach liquor comprises about 30% and about 45% by weight of total monoethanolamine, and wherein the aqueous leach liquor dissolves between 100 grams and 130 grams of copper per liter of aqueous leach liquor in 48 hours or less.