Volume 10, Issue 10, October – 2025 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology

ISSN No: -2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25oct826

Improvement of Extraction Efficiency at Kamoto

Copper Company's High Grade Train 1 KCC SA
Mungwa Kalundu Gaylord1,2,4*; Dumb Kayemb Syntyche5;
Ndala Mbavu Bavon1,2,4; Zeka Mujinga1,3,4,5
1
University of Lubumbashi, Polytechnic Faculty, Department of Industrial Chemistry, Lubumbashi,
Democratic Republic of Congo
2
Kolwezi Higher Institute of Applied Technology, Department of Applied Chemistry and Metallurgy,
Kolwezi, Democratic Republic of Congo
3
Gécamines Metallurgical Research Department, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo
4
Zebra Research and Expertise Center (CreZ), Kolwezi, Democratic Republic of Cong
5
University of Kolwezi, Polytechnic Faculty, Department of Industrial Chemistry, Kolwezi, Democratic
Republic of Congo

Corresponding Author: Mungwa Kalundu Gaylord *

Publication Date: 2025/11/04

Abstrat: This study seeks to resolve a practical problem encountered in solvent extraction. This problem relates to the copper
extraction yield in the high-grade circuit. Between July and September 2024, constraints related to increased production
and increased demand for HG raffinate led to an increase in feed flow, which increased transfer but resulted in a decrease
in copper extraction yield to average values of 80%.

Low extraction yield would mean potentially lower copper recovery at the stripping stage, raffinate richer in residual
copper and, in addition, low overall plant productivity. The main objective of this research was therefore to improve copper
extraction efficiency, taking into account the increase in feed flow rate, in order to ensure an optimal amount of copper
transfer, which would enable the plant to meet its annual production targets.

To do this, a sample of the discharged organic phase and another of the solution from the PLS leaching process were
taken at the plant and then characterised for use in laboratory extraction tests. Thirty extraction tests were carried out,
varying four parameters in turn to the following values: pH (1.2; 1.4; 1.6; 1.8; 2; 2.2 and 2.4), the O/A ratio (1/3, 1/2, 1, 2/1,
3/1, 4/1, 5/1), the residence time (1; 2; 3; 4 and 5 min) and agitation speed (400; 600; 800; 1000; 1200; 1500 and 1700 rpm).
The optimum values for these parameters will be used to establish simulation isotherms in order to adapt the flow rate to
the flowsheet.

At the end of this study, the results obtained when applied to a simulation with ISOCALC showed that an efficiency of
84.76% could be achieved by feeding 900m³/h into a series-parallel circuit with a flow rate of 500m³/h on the series stages
and 400m³/h on the parallel stage, with a parallel O/A ratio of 2.8, a pH of 1.28, a residence time of 3 minutes and an agitation
speed of 100 rpm.³/h on the parallel stage at an O/A ratio of 2.8; a pH of 1.28; a residence time of 3 minutes with an agitation
speed of 800 rpm for an organic extractant of 23.12%. These conditions would also minimise the co-extraction of iron to
31.32%.

An extractant was added up to 28% under the same conditions and we obtained an extraction yield of 92.32% and a
transfer of 277.15 tonnes/day.

Keywords: Solvent Extraction, Copper Extraction Efficiency, Hydrometallurgy, High Grade Circuit, Kamoto Copper Company
(KCC), Process Optimization, Organic/Aqueous Ratio (O/A), LIX 984N, ISOCALC Simulation, Iron Co-Extraction, Series–Parallel
Configuration, Feed Flow Rate, Loaded Organic, PLS, Copper Stripping.

How to Cite: Mungwa Kalundu Gaylord; Dumb Kayemb Syntyche; Ndala Mbavu Bavon; Zeka Mujinga (2025). Improvement of
Extraction Efficiency at Kamoto Copper Company's High Grade Train 1 KCC SA. International Journal of Innovative Science
and Research Technology,10(10), 2314-2325. https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25oct826

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Volume 10, Issue 10, October – 2025 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No: -2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25oct826

I. INTRODUCTION Traditionally, solvent extraction involves two main

steps: extraction and stripping. Extraction involves
Solvent extraction is a key process in hydrometallurgical transferring the solute from the aqueous phase to the organic
plants due to its ability to purify and concentrate post-leaching phase. Conversely, stripping (also known as elution or re-
solutions (Habashi, 1999). This is the case at the Luilu plants, extraction) involves transferring the solute from the organic
which use oxidised copper and cobalt ores to produce copper phase to the aqueous phase (TSHIPESHI, 2019).
in cathode form and cobalt in the form of high-purity
hydroxide (MWEMA, 2016). This process is very important  Objectives
for maximising yields and minimising production costs Solvent extraction plants play a role very similar to that
(DAVENPORT et al., 2011). of a concentrator. They normally process impure, low-grade
feedstock and convert it into a pure, high-grade product
Various constraints have highlighted the importance of suitable for obtaining the desired metal product. The
this work, such as an increase in the feed rate to train 1 in order objectives of a solvent extraction plant are :
to maximise transfer and increase production, and high
downstream operating costs due to the addition of 300 m³/h of  purification, which is an operation in which the useful
high-grade (HG) raffinate to the low-grade (LG) circuit, which mineral is extracted while the other anions and cations are
increases the copper content in the cobalt circuit. This rejected.
increases the use of lime and sulphuric acid due to the low  concentration of a liquor typically containing a certain
copper recovery in the PLS during extraction (SOLE & concentration of 1-10 g/l of the mineral to approximately
HISKEY, 2005). 50 g/l for good production or unit efficiency;
 conversion, which consists of changing the aqueous phase
The objective of this study is therefore to identify the matrix in which the desired metal is found is found. For
optimal operating conditions for achieving extraction yields of example, from a hydrochloric and sulphuric acid leaching
over 80%, with a particular focus on improving yield by solution to a sulphuric acid stripping solution, or from an
maximising transfer while controlling iron co-extraction ammoniacal leaching solution to a sulphuric acid stripping
(RITCEY, 2006; FLETT, 2019). solution.

In order to meet this objective, laboratory tests were  Extraction Parameters

carried out according to an experimental plan based on one The key extraction parameters are mainly the sharing,
parameter at a time. These tests made it possible to study the distribution and selectivity coefficients and the efficiency of
evolution of copper extraction yield as a function of four an extraction.
essential parameters: pH, O/A ratio, phase separation time and
agitation speed (MOYO & KIME, 2014; BABA et al., 2013).  Partition coefficient
 Distribution coefficient
Simulations using ISOCALC software were also carried  Extraction efficiency
out to adapt the mass balance to the flowsheet and optimise  Selectivity coefficient
yields, taking into account the specific characteristics of the
previously characterised industrial PLS and discharged Depending on the nature of the interactions involved in
organic phase samples (OUTOTEC, 2018; TUTU & the extractant, extraction types can be classified into four
MANDA, 2017; SCHLESINGER et al.,2013). categories:
 Historical Overview of Solvent Extraction  solvation extraction ;
Liquid-liquid extraction or solvent extraction is a  Cation exchange extraction ;
separation method that has been used industrially for several
 chelation extraction ;
years. It has seen considerable growth, particularly with the
development of nuclear energy. It was first used during the  Anion exchange extraction.
Second World War to enrich the elements used in the
manufacture of the first atomic bomb. It remains the most  Chemical Aspects of Solvent Extraction of Copper
widely used method for uranium enrichment to this day.
 Chemical Equilibrium of Solvent Extraction
 Principle and Purpose of Solvent Extraction As mentioned above, solvent extraction is based on the
distribution of the metal to be extracted between the aqueous
 Principle phase and the organic phase. To extract a metal from the
Solvent extraction is a process based on the principle of aqueous phase, an extractant with a strong affinity for that
distributing a dissolved substance between two immiscible metal is brought into close contact with the aqueous phase. The
organic liquid phases and the affinity of the two for extracting passage of the solute into the organic phase theoretically
the solute. When brought into contact with each other, this results in an equilibrium as described by the following
allows the transfer of a solute initially contained in one liquid equation (Hossein, 1999):
phase to another liquid phase that is immiscible with the first.
In general, one of the phases is aqueous and the other phase is
Men+
(aq) + n RH (org) ↔ Rn Me (org) + nH+ (aq)
an organic solution containing an extractant and a diluent.

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Where : To date, copper extractants have been marketed by

several international companies. One example is BASF, which
 Men+: the metal ion in aqueous solution has launched volume mixtures on the equal ketoximes-
 RH (org) the extractant dissolved in the organic phase; aldoximes under the general name of "LIX" and SOLVAY,
 RnMe the metal/extractant complex in the organic phase. which launched modified aldoximes on the market under the
general name "ACORGA". Some of the advantages and
In the case of solvent extraction of copper in a sulphate disadvantages of different families of extractants are listed in
medium, copper is extracted from the aqueous phase by a the table below. The criteria for choosing an extractant are
typical "RH" extractant according to the equation: broadly based on the properties listed in this table. All reagents
used to extract copper from sulphate solutions in an acidic
[Cu2+ + SO42-] (aq) + 2RH(org) → R2Cu(org) + [2H+ + SO42-](aq) environment are based on the functionality of hydroxy oxime.
Two types of oximes are used of oximes are used: ketoximes
In accordance with LE CHATELIER's principle of and aldoximes.
chemical equilibrium, which states that "if we tend to modify
the conditions of a system, it reacts in such a way as to partially Ketoximes (ketone and hydroxylamine) are the first
oppose the changes imposed on it until a new state of oxime-based copper extractants to have been commercialised.
equilibrium is established". They have excellent physical properties such as low
entrainment, rapid phase separation and relatively high
The previous reaction leading to copper extraction is tolerance to "crud" generating elements such as soluble silica,
favoured by a low acid concentration in the aqueous phase, polymer-based flocculants and "stray" organic compounds.
implying a relatively high pH. Furthermore, this reaction They strip easily and have good net transfer and very good
results in the generation of H+protons, which combine with selectivity for copper over iron. They have slightly lower
sulphate ions in solution to form sulphuric acid. kinetics than aldoximes, particularly at low temperatures, and
they have relatively lower chemical stability than aldoximes.
On the other hand, copper stripping involves re-
extracting it into a new aqueous phase according to the Aldoximes (aldehyde and hydroxylamine) have fast
equation: copper transfer kinetics and good copper selectivity over iron.
They are very strong copper extractants, so strong that they are
R2Cu(org) + [2H+ + SO42-](aq) → [Cu2+ + SO42-](aq) + 2RH(org) always used in combination with equilibrium modifiers or a
ketoxime to increase stripping efficiency.They are these
Similarly, LE CHATELIER's principle of chemical equilibrium-modifying agents often increase the risk of sludge
equilibrium indicates that the above reaction is favoured by a formation and entrainment.
high acid concentration in the aqueous phase, implying a
relatively low pH. On the other hand, this reaction leads to Aldoximes are less stable than ketoximes.
regeneration of the organic phase, which is generally recycled
at the extraction stage. Unmodified ketoxime-aldoxime mixtures combine the
strong extracting power and fast kinetics of aldoximes with the
 Typical Copper Extractants good physical properties and stripability of ketoximes; they
Solvent extraction is a chemical process in which the have good selectivity for copper over iron and are more stable
chemical extractant can exchange hydrogen ions and specific in leach liquors containing chloride and nitrate ions than
metal ions at the organic-aqueous interface. The organic liquid modified aldoximes. Ketoxim-aldoxime mixtures allow more
phase is composed of the chemical extractant and the diluent copper to be recovered than any other reagent formulation.
(COGNIS, Practical Guide to Solvent Extraction Plant The reaction mechanism of a ketoxim-aldoxime mixture is
Operation, 2005). illustrated by the following equations:

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Volume 10, Issue 10, October – 2025 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
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Fig 1 Reaction Mechanism of a Ketoxime-Aldoxime Mixture

Fig 2 Copper (II) Complex with An Oxime or Salicyl Aldoxime Ligand

And so, the final reaction between copper and oxime-based extractants and chelating complexes forms; R= C9H19 or C12H25;
for ketoximes: A= CH3 (SOLE et al, 2011)

Fig 3 Complexation/Extraction Reaction of Copper (II) by An Aromatic Aldoxime

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The diluent is an organic liquid used to dilute and Modifiers are used to minimise the risk of a third phase
solubilise the extractant and modifiers. It is generally forming, as the extractant is not completely soluble in the
composed of various aromatic, paraffinic and naphthenic diluent. Modifiers usually act as depressants for the species to
hydrocarbons. Economic and technical criteria often come into be extracted. Modifiers are rarely used nowadays, as new
play when choosing a diluent, which is why kerosene is often generations of diluent extractants prevent the production of a
used. third phase (AMINIAN, 1999).

Table 1 Comparison of the Properties of Cetoximes and Aldoximes (COGNIS, Practical Guide to Solvent Extraction Plant
Operation, 2005)
Propriétés Cétoximes Aldoximes
Pouvoir d’extraction Modéré Très fort
Strippage du cuivre Très bon Pas bon
Sélectivité Cu/Fe Excellente Excellente
Cinétique de réaction Rapide Très rapide
Séparation des phases Très bonne Très bonne
Stabilité Excellente Très bonne
Génération des crud Faible Variable

 Industrial Parameters  Accessories

Solvent extraction is a delicate operation that requires the
simultaneous control of several parameters. In addition to pH,  Pistols;
temperature and concentration of the solute to be extracted,  Funnel;
these include (COGNIS, Practical Guide to Solvent Extraction  Filter paper;
Plant Operation, 2005):  Stopwatch;

 The theoretical number of extraction and stripping stages;  Reagents Used

 The concentration of the extractant in the organic phase; During this research, the following reagents were used:
 The phase volume ratio (organic volume/aqueous volume);
 The concentration of free acid in the aqueous phase during  23.12% LIX 984NC organic phase composed of as
extraction and stripping; extractant for dissolved copper in Shellsol 2325 as diluent;
 The continuity of the phases in the mixers;  An aqueous phase from the plant and previously
 The efficiency of the mixers; characterised (PLS);
 The residence time in the mixers and the phase separation  10 N caustic soda for pH regulation;
time;  sulphuric acid at 180 g/L for stripping tests;
 The depth of the organic phase in the decanters;
 Phase entrainment, etc.  Procedure
 Only a few parameters will be useful to us in the. Each extraction test was carried out according to the
following steps:
II. EQUIPMENT AND METHODS
 Place a volume X of the discharged organic phase in a
 Equipment Used beaker according to the pre-set O/A ratio for the test;
During the extraction tests, various materials were used.  Place the beaker under the stirrer;
The main materials used are as follows:
 Start the stirrer at the speed required for the test;
 Add a volume of aqueous phase according to the set ratio
 Glassware : and previously adjusted to the pH of the test;
 Start the stopwatch;
 250 and 500 mL beakers;
 Erlenmeyer flasks;  Stop the agitator after a set time for the test performed;
 Measuring cylinder;  Allow the two phases to settle until they are completely
 Decanter separated;
 Take a sample of the aqueous phase to send to the laboratory
 Equipment : for chemical analysis;
 Calculate the extraction yield.
 pH meter with brand HANNA INSTRUMENT;
 Agilent Technologies atomic absorption spectrometer;  Varied Parameters
 JSR mechanical stirrer; During this research, four parameters were varied
successively, namely: pH, O/A ratio, residence time and
stirring speed. Table 2 shows the levels of variation for these
different parameters.

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Table 2 Levels of Variation in the Parameters Studied

Parameters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
pH 1,2 1,4 1,6 1,8 2 2,2 2,4
Ratio 1/3 1/2 1/1 2/1 3/1 4/1 5/1
Time (min) 1 2 3 5
Agitation (rpm) 400 600 800 1000 1200 1500

The levels of variation for each of the above parameters  Calculation of Extraction Yield
were chosen based on specific considerations. These are The extraction yield was calculated from the chemical
detailed below. results obtained on the aqueous phases before and after
extraction according to the following relationship:
 The pH
The pH range for conducting the extraction tests was ([Cu]pls−[Cu]raffinat)
𝛈extraction= [Cu]pls
chosen based on the following considerations:

 The operating conditions of the plant, which dissolves With:

copper at a pH of 1.7;
 Previous work on the evolution of extraction yield as a  η Elément : : copper extraction yield (%)
function of pH (al. T.e., 2009) (TSHIPESHI, 2019).  [Cu]PLS : mass concentration of copper in the PLS (g/l);
 [Cu] raffinate: mass concentration of the element in the
 The O/A Ratio raffinate (g/l).
The range of variation of the O/A ratio during extraction
tests was chosen based on the following factors:  Calculation of the Quantity of Copper Transferred
The quantity of copper transferred was calculated under
 Previous work on the evolution of the extraction yield of an the optimal operating conditions found for the copper
element as a function the O/A ratio (TSHIPESHI, 2019); extraction unit using the following mathematical expression X:
 The operating conditions of the plant shown in the table ([Cu]pls−[Cu]raffinat)
TCu = A ×
1000
 Residence Time
The levels of variation in residence time during the Where:
extraction tests were chosen based on the following factors:
 T Cu: the quantity of copper transferred (T/h)
 The literature, which indicates that residence time  A: aqueous phase flow rate (m³/h)
influences both the extraction yield of an element and the  [Cu]PLS: the concentration of copper in the solution
quantity of the element transferred (COGNIS, 2005); resulting from leaching (kg/m³)
 The plant's operating conditions ;  [Cu]raffinate: the concentration of copper in the raffinate
 Previous work on optimising residence time during solvent (kg/m³)
extraction (KABEYA, 2019) (TSHIPESHI, 2019).
We note that these formulas were applied under the
 The Stirring Speed conditions of the train, with a feed rate of 600m3 /h and an
Similarly, the different stirring speed values set during organic volumetric flow rate of 1444.50 m3 /h in a series circuit.
the extraction tests were chosen based on the following factors:
III. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
 The literature, which indicates that agitation speed
influences the kinetics of material transfer of the element  The Following Parameters Were Studied
and on extraction yield (COGNIS, Practical Guide to
Solvent Extraction Plant Operation, 2005);  The influence of pH on extraction yield: 1.2; 1.4; 1.6; 1.8;
 Previous work on the influence of agitation speed on 2; 2.2 and 2.4
extraction yield (KABEYA, 2019) (TSHIPESHI, 2019).  The influence of the ratio on extraction yield: 1/3, 1/2, 1,
2/1, 3/1, 4/1, 5/1
 Calculation of Metallurgical Performance  The influence of residence time on extraction yield: 1; 2; 3;
The metallurgical performances studied during this 4 and 5 min
research are the copper extraction yield and the amount of  The influence of stirring speed on extraction yield: 400;
copper transferred. It should be noted, however, that the 600; 800; 1000; 1200; 1500 and 1700 rpm
evolution of iron co-extraction was also studied under the same
conditions. The mathematical expressions for the extraction In this study, extraction tests were carried out in the
yield and the amount of copper transferred are given below. laboratory according to a single parameter plan each time, in
order to study the evolution of copper extraction yield as a
function of the following four main parameters: pH, O/A ratio,
residence time and agitation speed. These tests were conducted

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on previously characterised industrial samples of PLS and ISOCALC. To adapt the flow in order to achieve better yield
discharged organic phase. We also performed a simulation with and greater transfer.

Fig 4 Influence of pH on Copper Extraction and Iron Co-Extraction Yields

Fig 5 Influence of the O/A Ratio on Extraction Yield

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Fig 6 Influence of Residence Time on Extraction Yield

These conditions would also minimise iron co-extraction been forced to increase the train's flow rate from 600 to 900
to approximately 31.32%. Working under these conditions m³/h.
would guarantee copper extraction yields of at least 91.92%.
For an average phase flow rate of 600 m³/h, the amount of We ran simulations with ISOCALC to find the best
copper transferred for one circuit train through extraction configuration to solve our problem. As mentioned above, the
would be at least 4.92 dm³/h. This is for train 1 only, as train 2 pump that feeds the series circuit of train 1 has a maximum
operates at a flow rate of between 900 and 910m³/h. In order to capacity of 600m³/h, which meant we had to run simulations
meet the plant's raffinate requirements or demand, we have with series-parallel and parallel circuits using the plant's
integrated bypass system to achieve a flow rate of 900m³/h.

Fig 7 Influence of Agitation on Extraction Yield

We note that we can adapt the flow using the MC CABE- The results obtained above enabled us to determine the
THIELE diagram, but ISOCALC provides us with reliable margins within which we carried out our simulations and thus
results and allows us to vary several parameters at once. achieve the best yields. We performed several simulations but
chose the optimum.

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Table 3 Simulation with a 500-400 Power Supply

Isocalc™ Report

Client KCC Isocalc™ Version 2020.01

Project Name HGSX train 1 optimisation Date 18 October 2024
Project Description 2Ex1Ex2S (500-400)

Series PLS Stream Raffinate Series

Volumetric Flow 500 m3/h Copper Concentration 2.58 g/L
Copper Concentration 15.00 g/L pH 0.61 -
pH 1.28 - Acid Concentration 24.31 g/L
Acid Concentration 5.15 g/L
Sulphate Concentration 200.00 g/L
Sulphate Activity 20 %

Parallel (I) PLS Stream Parallel (I) Raffinate

Volumetric Flow 400 m3/h Copper Concentration 1.92 g/L
Copper concentration 15.00 g/L pH 0.59 -
pH 1.28 - Acid Concentration 25.34 g/L
Acid Concentration 5.15 g/L
Sulphate Concentration 200.00 g/L
Sulphate Activity 20 %

Organic Spent/Advance Electrolyte

BASF Extractant LIX984N Volumetric Flow 950.00 m3/h
Edit None Spent Acid Concentration 190.00 g/L
Volumetric Flow 1445.00 m³/h Spent Copper Concentration 40.0 g/L
Extractant Concentration 23.12 vol Adv Copper Concentration 52.04 g/L
Maximum Copper Loading 12.48 g/L

Extraction Circuit Stripping Circuit

Circuit Type Parallel Number of Stripping Stages 2
Number of Extraction Stages 2E-1E O/A Ratio 1.52
Advance O/A Ratio 2.89 Stripped Organic Copper 3.93 g/L
Loaded Organic Copper 11.85 g/L Strip Temperature 40.00 °C
Percentage of Maximum Loading 89.49 %
Net Transfer 0.3046 g/L per 1% extract Stage Efficiencies
Series Circuit Recovery 82.79 % Series Extraction 91, 93
Parallel (I) Circuit Recovery 87.22 % Parallel (I) Extraction 95
Overall Circuit Recovery 84.76 % Strip 98
Daily copper transfer 274.61 t/day
Annual copper transfer 100.23 kt/year

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The results obtained above enabled us to determine the 15g/l of copper, this the latter gives a yield of 84.20, which is a
margins within which we carried out our simulations and thus good transfer, and it answers the question of feeding the large
achieve the best yields. We performed several simulations but flow, but we have noticed a degradation of the organic phase
chose the optimum one. used in the plant of more than 10%, which is also a factor that
causes the yield to be low due to the double feeding of PLS.
 Simulation with a 500-400 Supply This is the result of the plant in order to achieve our objectives
We opted for a simulation with a feed of 500m3/h at the while maintaining the train's operating parameters.
series stages and 400m3 /h at the parallel stage with a feed of

Table 4-Feed 500-400 at 28% Extractant

Isocalc™ Report

Client KCC Isocalc™ Version 2020,01

Project Name HGSX train 1 optimisation Date 18 October 2024
Project Description 2Ex1Ex2S (500-400)

Series PLS Stream Series Raffinate

Volumetric Flow 500 m3/h Copper Concentration 2.58 g/L
Copper Concentration 15.00 g/L pH 0,61 -
pH 1,28 - Acid Concentration 24.31 g/L
Acid Concentration 5,15 g/L
Sulfate Concentration 200.00 g/L
Sulfate Activity 20.00 %

Parallel (I) PLS Stream Parallel (I) Raffinate

Volumetric Flow 400 m3/h Copper Concentration 1.92 g/L
Copper Concentration 15.00 g/L pH 0,59 -
pH 1,28 - Acid Concentration 25.34 g/L
Acid Concentration 5,15 g/L
Sulfate Concentration 200.00 g/L
Sulfate Activity 20.00 %

Organic Spent/Advance Electrolyte

BASF Extractant LIX984N Volumetric Flow 950.00 m3/h
Modifier None Spent Acid Concentration 190.00 g/L
Volumetric Flow 1445.00 m3/h Spent Copper Concentration 40.00 g/L
Extractant Concentration 28.00 vol % Adv Copper Concentration 52.04 g/L
Maximum Copper Loading 15.038 g/L

Extraction Circuit Stripping Circuit

Circuit Type Parallel Number of Strip Stages 2
Number of Extraction Stages 2E-1E O/A Ratio 1.52
Advance O/A Ratio 2.89 Stripped Organic Copper 3.93 g/L
Loaded Organic Copper 11.85 g/L Strip Temperature 40.00 °C
Percentage of Max Loading 89.99 %
Net Transfer 0,3046 g/L per 1% extract Stage Efficiencies
Series Circuit Recovery 87,90 % Series Extraction 91, 93
Parallel (I) Circuit Recovery 96.79 % Parallel (I) Extraction 95
Overall Circuit Recovery 92.32 % Strip 98, 98
Daily copper transfer 277.15 t/day
Annual copper transfer 101.16 kt/annum

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Volume 10, Issue 10, October – 2025 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No: -2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25oct826

Having the possibility of increasing the loading capacity We suggest that our successors focus on the impact of
of the organic material without modifying its properties, we adding HG raffinate to the cobalt circuit and also conduct an
improved it by adding organic matter up to 28%, giving it a economic impact study to assess the cost of the added
loading capacity of 15.0383g/l, which is much higher than that extractant compared to the cost of acid and lime used in the
of the plant. Phase separation time (PDT) tests were used to WOL (whole area leaching) and cobalt sections.
check the properties of the organic matter
This addition of extractant has made it possible to achieve
By studying these parameters, we found that a copper an extraction yield of 92.32% with good transfer and low iron
extraction yield of 92.32% could be achieved by working at a co-extraction.
pH of 2 to 2.5, an O/A ratio of 1.5, a residence time of 3
minutes, an agitation speed of 800 revolutions per minute and ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
a flow rate of 900m3 /h with a series-parallel configuration of
(500m3 /h on the series stages and 400m3 /h on the parallel We would also like to thank the technical services
stage) with a 28% extractant. In addition, these conditions department of Kamoto Copper Company SA, a subsidiary of
would limit iron co-extraction to 31.32%. Discussions on the the multinational GLENCORE, for supervising this work and
present results indicated that they would ensure both making its premises and laboratory available to us so that we
satisfactory extraction yields and a high amount of transferred could carry out our research. We would like to express our
copper, thereby enabling the plant to meet its production gratitude to Engineer Guelord NGAMBA for his valuable
targets. contribution.

IV. CONCLUSION We would like to express our sincere thanks to engineer

Jacques LENGE, Engineer Hervé Lubambo, Engineer Sarah
It should be noted that this article addressed practical Mwaba, Engineer Patty Bwandu, Engineer Stéphane Musoka,
considerations relating to solvent extraction of copper as Engineer Jean-Marc Kasongo, and Engineer Georges Kabongo
applied to the Luilu hydrometallurgical plants. The main for the fruitful discussions and guidance they provided us
objective was to determine the optimal operating conditions during the completion of this work.
that would achieve copper extraction yields greater than 80%
by maximising copper transfer while limiting iron co- We would also like to thank the academic authorities at
extraction at a flow rate of 900 m³/h. the University of Kolwezi. We greatly appreciate their
dedication to organising and promoting individual student
In this study, extraction tests were carried out in the projects. Our gratitude also goes to all the professors, heads of
laboratory according to a single-factor design in order to study department and assistants at the Polytechnic Faculty of the
the evolution of copper extraction yield as a function of the University of Kolwezi in general, and to those in the
following four main parameters: pH, O/A ratio, residence time Department of Industrial Chemistry in particular, for their
and agitation speed. These tests were conducted on previously significant contribution
characterised industrial samples of PLS and discharged organic
phase. We also performed a simulation with ISOCALC to REFERENCES
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Volume 10, Issue 10, October – 2025 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No: -2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25oct826

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