Problem $1.($USEEXCEL for this problem$)$

A copper mining operation is planning to take a blast on a north$-$west region of their pit. The estimated ore and waste material to be generated from blast is $0\mathrm{.}6$ million tons. The material is mixed oxide and sulfide copper ore with an average copper grade of $0\mathrm{.}12\%.$ The ore material can process via two, processing routes; one is via milling and other is via hydrometallurgical. Process $1$ involves milling of ore which produces a concentrate which is treated by smelting process. Process $2$ involves leaching operations which is followed by solvent extraction $($SX$)$ and Electrowinning process. These processes have their own cost based on amount of material they treat. Based on the process route and information provided below answer the following questions:

Tons of concentrated and waste produced in process $1.$

Tons of copper produced after each process step in both process route i$.$e$.,$ after milling, smelting, leaching and SX$/$EW$.$

Considering copper price in market to be $$\frac{3\mathrm{.}5}{l}b,$ which process route is economical. Determine the amount profit margin in dolla$]$s for both the case.

At what ore grade will the other process become equally profitable to process selected in question $1.$

Assuming $60$ percent of copper produced from leaching operation in process $2$ is from oxide ore primarily Chrysocolla. Determine tons of $H2SO4$ needed to leach Chrysocolla.

Leaching

PLS Solution:

SX$/$EW

Cu Recovery $-45\%$

Cu conceritration $-0\mathrm{.}04lb\frac{s}{g}al$

Cost $-$ $$\frac{0\mathrm{.}50}{?}$ ton of ore

Solution Volume $-8100$gal

Cu Recovery $-95\%$

Cost $-$$$\frac{3\mathrm{.}5}{g}al$