SBIR Phase II: Copper Selective Silica-Polyamine Extraction Materials for Processing Copper Ore Leach Liquors

Purity Systems, Inc., Missoula MT

Investigators

Abstract

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will investigate production of an exciting new material CuWRAM (Copper Waste Recovery from Aqueous Media). Evaluation of these pilot procedures will support the design of full scale manufacturing facilities. A processing system utilizing the patented ISEP separations hardware obtained from Calgon Carbon Corp. and CuWRAM as the extractant material for copper extraction and separation from iron (III) will be produced. Extensive testing will provide information to: (1) establish the effectiveness of the CuWRAM - ISEP system on real samples; (2) establish the economic feasibility of this system under various conditions; and (3) develop a targeted marketing strategy based on the first two items. Results from the Phase I project have generated excitement throughout the mining community. Initial testing on actual mining solutions will be conducted with one of the largest copper producers in the U.S. Commercial applications for a CuWRAM copper extraction include use in the primary extraction circuit of copper mining operations, recovery of copper for reuse in copper plating processes and recovery of copper from remediation projects.