Engineering

Enhanced Malachite Leaching from Jebel Hadieda Region: Surface Dissolution Rate and Response Analysis

Authors

  • Jaber A. Yousif

    Department of Mining Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Eldaein University, Eldaein 63312, PR Sudan
    Author

  • Dr. Ayman M. Ibrahim

    Department of Mining Engineering, University of Nyala
    Author

  • Mohammed Kabashi

    Department of Mining Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Science, University of Nyala, Nyala 63311, PR Sudan
    Author

  • Han Wang

    Faculty of Land Resources Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, Yunnan, PR China
    Author

  • Prof. Dianwen Liu

    Faculty of Land Resources Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, Yunnan, PR China
    Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71107/wk16ns19

Keywords:

Copper Oxide, Jebel Hadieda Area, Sulphuric Acid, Pulp Density, Leaching

Abstract

This study presents a novel approach to enhancing malachite leaching using sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) on ore from the Jebel Hadieda region in South Kordofan State, Sudan, with a copper grade of 7.47%. Microscopic analysis identified the primary copper-bearing mineral, with quartz and clinochlore as the main gangue minerals. The copper mineral grind size was determined to be 150 microns. The study investigated the effects of several parameters on copper extraction, including particle size, leaching duration, acid concentration, FESEM-EDS, zeta potential, X-ray diffraction, and pulp density. Agitated leaching tests yielded the highest copper extraction (88.15%) at 70 °C using a –212 + 150 µm particle size, with three hours identified as the optimal leaching duration. Smaller particle sizes provided greater surface area for acid interaction, accelerating dissolution, while larger particles slowed the dissolution process and reduced copper recovery. These findings indicate that reducing the particle size of malachite to below 300 microns significantly improves leaching efficiency. No previous studies have applied this specific leaching technique for malachite extraction in the Jebel Hadieda region, making this a novel approach.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biographies

  • Jaber A. Yousif , Department of Mining Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Eldaein University, Eldaein 63312, PR Sudan

    Department of Mining Engineering

     

  • Dr. Ayman M. Ibrahim, Department of Mining Engineering, University of Nyala

    Department of Mining Engineering

  • Mohammed Kabashi , Department of Mining Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Science, University of Nyala, Nyala 63311, PR Sudan

    Department of Mining Engineering

  • Han Wang , Faculty of Land Resources Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, Yunnan, PR China

    Faculty of Land Resources Engineering

  • Prof. Dianwen Liu, Faculty of Land Resources Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, Yunnan, PR China

    Faculty of Land Resources Engineering

References

1. Saldaña M, Gálvez E, Jeldres RI, et al (2020) Optimization of cu and mn dissolution from black coppers by means of an agglomerate and curing pretreatment. Metals (Basel) 10:. https://doi.org/10.3390/met10050657 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/met10050657

2. Deng T, Chen J (1991) Treatment of Oxidized Copper Ores with Emphasis on Refractory Ores. Miner Process Extr Metall Rev 7:175–207. https://doi.org/10.1080/08827509108952671 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/08827509108952671

3. Neira A, Pizarro D, Quezada V, Velásquez-Yévenes L (2021) Pretreatment of copper sulphide ores prior to heap leaching: A review. Metals (Basel) 11:1–16. https://doi.org/10.3390/met11071067 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/met11071067

4. Xu B, Ma Y, Gao W, et al (2020) A review of the comprehensive recovery of valuable elements from copper smelting open-circuit dust and arsenic treatment. Jom 72:3860–3875. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-020-04242-0 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-020-04242-0

5. Biswas AK, DAVENPORT WG (1980) CHAPTER 13 - HYDROMETALLURGICAL COPPER EXTRACTION: INTRODUCTION AND LEACHING. In: Biswas AK, DAVENPORT WG (eds) Extractive Metallurgy of Copper (Second Edition), Second Edition. Pergamon, pp 254–270 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-024735-9.50019-X

6. Konen R, Fintov S (2012) Copper and Copper Alloys: Casting, Classification and Characteristic Microstructures. In: Copper Alloys - Early Applications and Current Performance - Enhancing Processes. pp 3–31 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5772/39014

7. Rotuska K, Chmielewski T (2008) Growing Role of Solvent Extraction in Copper Ores Processing. Physicochem Probl Miner Process 42:29–36

8. Kamran Haghighi H, Moradkhani D, Sedaghat B, et al (2013) Production of copper cathode from oxidized copper ores by acidic leaching and two-step precipitation followed by electrowinning. Hydrometallurgy 133:111–117. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hydromet.2012.12.004 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hydromet.2012.12.004

9. Bierlein FP, Reynolds N, Arne D, et al (2016) Petrogenesis of a Neoproterozoic magmatic arc hosting porphyry Cu-Au mineralization at Jebel Ohier in the Gebeit Terrane, NE Sudan. Ore Geol Rev 79:133–154. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2016.05.010 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2016.05.010

10. Kujjo CP (2019) Mineral Exploration and Sustainable Development: A Case Study in the Republic of South Sudan

11. Sasmaz A (2020) The Atbara porphyry gold–copper systems in the Red Sea Hills, Neoproterozoic Arabian–Nubian Shield, NE Sudan. J Geochemical Explor 214:106539. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gexplo.2020.106539 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gexplo.2020.106539

12. Abdelkareem O, Adam H, Elsiddig EA, Csaplovics E (2013) Application of remote sensing in the assessement of forest gaps and land use in umabdalla natural reserved forest, South Kordofan, Sudan. 34th Asian Conf Remote Sens 2013, ACRS 2013 4:3300–3307

13. Yang W, Liu Y, Li X, et al (2023) Selective Extraction of Cobalt and Copper From Cobalt-Rich Copper Sulfide Ores. Metall Mater Trans B Process Metall Mater Process Sci 54:2332–2346. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11663-023-02834-0 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11663-023-02834-0

14. Liao Y, Zhou J, Huang F, Wang Y (2015) Leaching kinetics of calcification roasting calcinate from multimetallic sulfide copper concentrate containing high content of lead and iron. Sep Purif Technol 149:190–196. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2015.05.042 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2015.05.042

15. Clark J (2021) The Extraction of Copper Extracting copper from its ores. In: Libr. Chem. https://chem.libretexts.org/@go/page/3687

16. Moskalyk RR, Alfantazi AM (2003) Review of copper pyrometallurgical practice: Today and tomorrow. Miner Eng 16:893–919. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2003.08.002 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2003.08.002

17. Cao J, Wu D, Zuo Q, Wen S (2025) Experimental and DFT studies on using Fenton reagent as oxidant to enhance the leaching of cuprite in sulfuric acid system. Sep Purif Technol 354:128693. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2024.128693 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2024.128693

18. Habbache N, Alane N, Djerad S, Tifouti L (2009) Leaching of copper oxide with different acid solutions. Chem Eng J 152:503–508. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2009.05.020 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2009.05.020

19. Sokić MD, Milošević VD, Stanković VD, et al (2015) Acid leaching of oxide–sulfide copper ore prior the flotation – A way for an increased metal recovery. Hem Ind 69:453–458. https://doi.org/10.2298/HEMIND140509061S DOI: https://doi.org/10.2298/HEMIND140509061S

20. Li S, Guo Z, Pan J, et al (2021) Stepwise utilization process to recover valuable components from copper slag. Minerals 11:1–14. https://doi.org/10.3390/min11020211 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/min11020211

21. Sun J, Zhang T, Shen P, et al (2024) Kinetics analysis of copper extraction from copper smelting slag by sulfuric acid oxidation leaching. Miner Eng 216:108886. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2024.108886 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2024.108886

22. Soltani F, Darabi H, Khodabandehlou F, et al (2024) Efficient Acid Leaching of Low Carbonate Copper Oxide Ore: A Focus on Impurity Minimization. Jom 24:11837. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-024-06831-9 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-024-06831-9

23. Pi GM (2013) Preparation of copper sulfate solution from copper slag using sulfuric acid solution. Adv Mater Res 773:304–308. https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.773.304 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.773.304

24. Feng QC, Wen SM, Chen CY, et al (2013) Extraction of copper from a refractory copper oxide ore by catalytic oxidation acid leaching. Adv Mater Res 734–737:941–944. https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.734-737.941 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.734-737.941

25. Hosseinzadeh M, Entezari Zarandi A, Pasquier LC, Azizi A (2021) Kinetic Investigation on Leaching of Copper from a Low-Grade Copper Oxide Deposit in Sulfuric Acid Solution: A Case Study of the Crushing Circuit Reject of a Copper Heap Leaching Plant. J Sustain Metall 7:1154–1168. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40831-021-00408-5 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40831-021-00408-5

26. Khakmardan S, Shirazi A, Shirazy A, Hosseingholi H (2018) Copper Oxide Ore Leaching Ability and Cementation Behavior, Mesgaran Deposit in IRAN. Open J Geol 08:841–858. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojg.2018.89049 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4236/ojg.2018.89049

27. Semsari Parapari P, Parian M, Rosenkranz J (2020) Breakage process of mineral processing comminution machines – An approach to liberation. Adv Powder Technol 31:3669–3685. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apt.2020.08.005 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apt.2020.08.005

28. Guo W, Guo K, Xing Y, Gui X (2024) A Comprehensive Review on Evolution Behavior of Particle Size Distribution During Fine Grinding Process for Optimized Separation Purposes. Miner Process Extr Metall Rev 11:1–20 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/08827508.2024.2410287

29. Chen K, Yin W (2024) Investigation of liberation properties and mineral fracture mechanisms of iron ores with different mineral grain sizes at different grinding degrees. Miner Process Extr Metall Rev 45:397–406 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/08827508.2023.2177284

30. Frausto JJ, Ballantyne GR, Runge K, et al (2021) The effect of screen versus cyclone classification on the mineral liberation properties of a polymetallic ore. Miner Eng 169:106930. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2021.106930 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2021.106930

31. Zuo W, Shi F, Manlapig E (2015) Pre-concentration of copper ores by high voltage pulses. Part 1: Principle and major findings. Miner Eng 79:306–314. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2015.03.022 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2015.03.022

32. Yenwiset S, Yenwiset T (2016) Effect of the molten metal stream’s shape on particle size distribution of water atomized metal powder. Eng J 20:187–196. https://doi.org/10.4186/ej.2016.20.1.187 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4186/ej.2016.20.1.187

33. Liao R, Wen S, Feng Q, et al (2023) Activation mechanism of ammonium oxalate with pyrite in the lime system and its response to flotation separation of pyrite from arsenopyrite. Int J Miner Metall Mater 30:271–282. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-022-2505-5 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-022-2505-5

34. Fu Y feng, Yin W zhong, Dong X shu, et al (2021) New insights into the flotation responses of brucite and serpentine for different conditioning times: Surface dissolution behavior. Int J Miner Metall Mater 28:1898–1907. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-020-2158-1 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-020-2158-1

35. Zhao W, Wang M, Yang B, et al (2022) Enhanced sulfidization flotation mechanism of smithsonite in the synergistic activation system of copper–ammonium species. Miner Eng 187:107796. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2022.107796 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2022.107796

36. Wang H, Wen S, Han G, Feng Q (2021) Modification of malachite surfaces with lead ions and its contribution to the sulfidization flotation. Appl Surf Sci 550:149350. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsusc.2021.149350 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsusc.2021.149350

37. Liu G, Huang Y, Qu X, et al (2016) Understanding the hydrophobic mechanism of 3-hexyl-4-amino-1, 2,4-triazole-5-thione to malachite by ToF-SIMS, XPS, FTIR, contact angle, zeta potential and micro-flotation. Colloids Surfaces A Physicochem Eng Asp 503:34–42. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfa.2016.05.028 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfa.2016.05.028

38. Peng L, He H, Qiu Z, et al (2024) Sodium trithiocarbonate as an activator for malachite xanthate flotation: Experimental study and practical application. Adv Powder Technol 35:104426. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apt.2024.104426 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apt.2024.104426

39. Yu X, Shen P, Yin Z, et al (2023) Surface modification of malachite using DMTD and its effect on xanthate adsorption. Colloids Surfaces A Physicochem Eng Asp 679:132560. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfa.2023.132560 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfa.2023.132560

40. Yang J, Shi Y, Chen L, Wu D (2023) Surface oxidation using chlorine dioxide for cuprite and its oxidation leaching mechanism in sulfuric acid solution. Appl Surf Sci 637:157892. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsusc.2023.157892 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsusc.2023.157892

41. Chen YL, Wang SR, Ni J, et al (2017) An experimental study of the mechanical properties of granite after high temperature exposure based on mineral characteristics. Eng Geol 220:234–242. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2017.02.010 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2017.02.010

42. Peng Y, Mao Y, Xia W, Li Y (2018) Ultrasonic flotation cleaning of high-ash lignite and its mechanism. Fuel 220:558–566. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2018.02.049 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2018.02.049

43. Feng Q, Wen S, Zhao W, et al (2016) Effect of pH on surface characteristics and flotation of sulfidized cerussite. Physicochem Probl Miner Process 52:676–689. https://doi.org/10.5277/ppmp160213

44. Bingöl D, Canbazoǧlu M (2004) Dissolution kinetics of malachite in sulphuric acid. Hydrometallurgy 72:159–165. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hydromet.2003.10.002 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hydromet.2003.10.002

45. Ata ON, Çolak S, Ekinci Z, Çopur M (2001) Determination of the optimum conditions for leaching of malachite ore in H2SO4 solutions. Chem Eng Technol 24:409–413. https://doi.org/10.1002/1521-4125(200104)24:4<409::AID-CEAT409>3.0.CO;2-0 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/1521-4125(200104)24:4<409::AID-CEAT409>3.0.CO;2-0

Downloads

Published

2026-05-08

Data Availability Statement

Yes

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 1 (2026): Conclusions in Engineering

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Jaber A. Yousif , Dr. Ayman M. Ibrahim, Mohammed Kabashi , Han Wang , Prof. Dianwen Liu (Author)

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Enhanced Malachite Leaching from Jebel Hadieda Region: Surface Dissolution Rate and Response Analysis. (2026). Conclusions in Engineering, 2(1), 31-41. https://doi.org/10.71107/wk16ns19