Cu POX leaching process

Innovative pressure oxidation for copper extraction

Copper extraction is facing new challenges as traditional methods struggle to keep up with environmental concerns and efficiency demands. As ore compositions change due to depletion of deposits, this cutting-edge solution maximizes copper recovery. The Metso Cu POX process is a proven hydrometallurgical method for the treatment of copper sulfide concentrates at lower capacities.

Cu POX – High-efficiency leaching solution

High copper recovery

(>98.5%) for maximum yield

Environmental benefits

Lower emissions and closed-loop water recycling

Rapid reaction rates

Optimal temperature and oxygen pressure

Why Cu POX

As a standard process solution Cu POX is implemented with SX-EW facilities to produce high quality cathodes,
but Cu POX can also be utilized to refine low grade copper concentrates to produce substitute PLS for existing SX-EW plants to compensate depleting heap leaching.

Process flow: Cu POX - SX - EW

The Cu POX process follows a structured pathway to optimize copper recovery:

Pulping and acid pretreatment – Initial concentrate preparation	Copper solvent extraction (SX) – Purification for electrowinning
Pressure oxidation – High-temperature leaching	Electrowinning (EW) – High-purity copper cathode production
Solid-liquid separation – Efficient phase separation	End neutralization – Managing leach residues and process water

OKTOP® Autoclave unit for Cu POX

At the heart of Cu POX technology is the OKTOP® Autoclave unit. Oktop Autoclave ensures high availability offering pre-designed, compact plant footprint, reliable performance, effective metal recovery and robust proprietary equipment for a comprehensive plant unit delivery with guaranteed process performance.. This unit includes: