Use of Hydrogen Peroxide as Oxidizing Agent in Chalcopyrite Leaching: A Review
Danny J. Flores, Teófilo A. Graber, Alejandro H. Angel-Castillo, Pía Hernández, María E. Taboada
Abstract
Leaching represents a significant challenge for the mining industry due to its slow and incomplete kinetics under ambient conditions (20 °C, 1 atm) and its increased prevalence in global ore deposits. In this context, the use of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) has proved to be a promising oxidizing agent for improving process efficiency. This article reviews the most recent breakthroughs in the use of H2O2 for chalcopyrite leaching, analyzing the experimental conditions that maximize copper extraction, including combinations with novel leachants such as organic systems, inorganic salts, and amino acids. In addition, the main challenges associated with the use of H2O2, such as its catalytic decomposition and thermal stability, are highlighted, along with strategies to overcome these limitations. Perspectives and challenges for its application are presented, emphasizing the need for hybrid and optimized approaches to integrate this oxidizing agent in sustainable hydrometallurgical processes. The objective of this paper is to make an exhaustive review of what has been published on chalcopyrite leaching in order to find ways to leach it in large quantities and in a simple way.