IX-EMEW COPPER FROM MINE WATER

Efficient Copper Recovery from Mine Waters

IX-EMEW Copper recovery offers the dual benefit of high efficiency copper removal from mine water and
a high-quality, commercial copper cathode to offset costs of waste water treatment on a mine site. Many
mines sites are in remote locations with high cost of reagents and power. The IX-EMEW modular system
is supplied ready to install and can be in operation in weeks from delivery on site.
The IX-EMEW Copper recovery package works automatically to produce copper cathode that is shipped
directly to market without the need for shipping concentrate or sludges long distances and receiving only
partial benefit for copper units. The IX-EMEW combination allows for simple recovery of copper in the
presence of iron (ferric and ferrous) and acid (up to 20g/L).
Once the copper is removed from solution by Ion Exchange to very low concentration (as low as 1ppm is
possible) the copper free solution can be processed by conventional waste water treatment technology with
much less lime and resulting sludge. The copper is eluted from the ion exchange and recovered by
EMEW direct electrowinning technology as saleable cathode.
The combination of IX-EMEW offers advantages over SX-EW in the ability to handle low copper in
presence of high ferric and acid concentrations with a compact, automated package such that relatively
small streams can be commercially processed. In comparison to precipitation technologies the key
advantage is the ability to produce a high value product which minimizes shipping costs and maximizes
revenue.
The modules are stand alone and are simple to install and operate. Start up is rapid and operation is fully
automated. High quality copper is produced by means of an even flow distribution in the cell promoting
high efficiency and selectivity for copper recovery. The EMEW technology is in use in over 20 plants
worldwide please contact us to find a reference plant near you.

Electrometals Technologies Ltd, 28 Commercial Drive, Ashmore, QLD, 4214, Australia. Web: www.electrometals.com
Tel: + 61 7 5526 4663 (Australia), +1 604 320 0333 (US-Canada) +91 9967549998 (India) +39 347 4888542 (Europe)

IX-EMEW COPPER FROM MINE WATER

Process Benefits
Potential Payback of less than a year
Remove copper from the waste stream to < 1 ppm
Fully automated system produces LME Grade Copper
Enclosed system - No fumes or acid mist
Modular design supplied ready to go rapid installation and start up
Ship pure copper to market not concentrate or sludge
Ability to handle swings in copper and other solution contaminants
Ability to handle high acid (up to 30g/L) and high ferric iron (up to 20g/L)
Ideal for mine closure or Care and Maintenance of Heap Leaches
Electrical power only - Low operating cost no reagents added
No smelting or melting

Performance Data IX-EMEW

Waste Water Stream 2000ppm Cu
Kg Copper/day (tpy)
Value of Copper @US$1.25/lb
Expected total operating cost

20m3/hr
960 (345mt/yr)
US$0.94m
US$0.45/lb Cu (US$1000/mt)

200m3/hr
9600 (3450mt/yr)
US$9.4m
US$0.40/lb Cu (US$880/mt)

Schematic of Copper Recovery from Mine Water using IX-EMEW

Copper depleted mine water

to waste water treatment
Copper mine water
IX

Acid Recycle to IX

Copper Cathode for sale

Copper to Electrolysis
Electrometals Technologies Ltd, 28 Commercial Drive, Ashmore, QLD, 4214, Australia. Web: www.electrometals.com
Tel: + 61 7 5526 4663 (Australia), +1 604 320 0333 (US-Canada) +91 9967549998 (India) +39 347 4888542 (Europe)