Copper extraction techniques
Copper extraction techniques refers to the methods for obtaining copper from its ores.
The conversion of copper consists of a series of chemical, physical, and electrochemical processes. Methods have evolved and vary with country depending on the ore source, local environmental regulations, and other factors.
As in all mining operations, the ore must usually be beneficiated (concentrated). To do this, the ore is crushed. Then it must be roasted to convert sulfides to oxides, which are smelted to produce matte. Finally, it undergoes various refining processes, the final one being electrolysis. For economic and environmental reasons, many of the byproducts of extraction are reclaimed. Sulfur dioxide gas, for example, is captured and turned into sulfuric acid — which is then used in the extraction process.
History
The earliest evidence of cold-hammering of native copper comes from the excavation at Çaÿonü Tepesi in eastern Anatolia. Among the various items considered to be votive or amulets there was one that looked like a fishhook and one like an awl.
Eloise Copper Mine
The Eloise Copper Mine is a copper mine located in eastern Australia in Queensland, 70 kilometres (43 mi) southeast of Cloncurry and 50 kilometres (31 mi) of McKinlay, in the vicinity of Mount Isa.
Transportation
The mine is served by the nearby Elrose Airport (IATA: ERQ, ICAO: YESE), named after the Elrose Homestead, and by both the Landsborough Highway and the Flinders Highway.
References
External links
Podcasts:
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by Matt Pond Pa
Copper Mine
by: Matt Pond Pawhen it snows from above the towers
the ground stays still - it can't get away
clothe the roofs hour after hour
with this ease ignore the obvious
heard the cold lost all its power
if we go let's go away
If we go let's go away
to rusted cars on blocks with no windows
to union dam where signs all say slow
to the copper mine where the blue water swallows
to the bottom if nobody follows