Iran Develops Nanotechnology to Boost Copper Recovery and Cut Processing Costs

Iranian researchers have developed a domestically produced nanotechnology for mineral nanocollectors that could reduce copper processing costs by improving extraction rates while lowering the consumption of expensive chemical reagents. The technology was developed at the Mineral Processing Research Center of the Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR)’s Tarbiat Modares University branch.

According to Mehdi Eskandari, head of the ACECR Tarbiat Modares University branch, the project focuses on the challenges of processing oxidized copper ores, which are more difficult to process through flotation than sulfide ores. He said technical limitations at some processing facilities result in part of the copper being lost during processing.

Researchers developed nanocollectors that can work alongside conventional collectors to improve interactions between mineral surfaces and processing chemicals. The technology increases the likelihood of copper particles attaching to air bubbles during flotation, potentially improving copper recovery, enhancing concentrate quality, reducing the use of costly chemicals and lowering the operating costs of processing plants.