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The extraction cell, the core equipment for extracting copper from copper oxide ore, demonstrates its advantages primarily in comparison to traditional smelting methods. The extraction cell is a key step in the "leaching-extraction-electrowinning" process. Its key advantages can be summarized as follows:
Economic Advantages: While traditional pyrometallurgical processes are not economically viable for processing low-grade oxide ores (<0.5% Cu), the extraction cell process can economically process this "waste rock," expanding recoverable resources. Operating costs are low, as the extraction-electrowinning process operates at ambient temperature and pressure, with energy consumption primarily coming from stirring and pumping. Investment costs are also low.
Environmental Benefits: While pyrometallurgical processes generate large amounts of sulfur-containing fumes that contribute to acid rain, the extraction-electrowinning process eliminates sulfur dioxide pollution. Tailings disposal is simple, minimizing environmental risks. The organic extractant can be recycled, reducing chemical consumption and waste generation. Production operation advantages: The process is simple and continuous, easy to automate and control, stable production, and low labor demand; the product purity is high, and the cathode copper purity is usually >99.99%; the copper recovery rate is high; the operating conditions are mild, the requirements for equipment materials are not high, the equipment life is long, and the working environment is safe.
Flexibility and Scalability: The modular design allows for flexible configuration, allowing for easy addition of modules during capacity expansion. Its adaptability allows it to process oxide ores, mixed ores, and secondary resources, encompassing a wide range of applications.
The extraction tank makes processing low-grade oxide copper ore profitable and enables the stable production of high-purity copper products in an environmentally sustainable manner. This has established the "leaching-extraction-electrodeposition" process as a mainstream technology for oxide copper ore processing, gaining widespread global adoption.