Abstract:The effect of mechanical activation on the granulometric parameters, microstructure, and leaching efficiency of chalcopyrite was evaluated, and the occurrence/transition of agglomeration and aggregation was discussed. The results showed that in 8 h of milling treatment, the agglomeration and the microstructure did not affect each other. However, with prolonging milling time, the crystallite size tended to reach a saturation value, and the stagnating microstructural changes led to the replacement of agglomeration by aggregation. The leaching results indicated that the mechanical activation can strongly enhance the reactivity of chalcopyrite and the hindering effect of aggregation on leaching was considerably greater than that of agglomeration. Consequently, after 8 h of milling, the maximum Cu leaching rate of 80.13% was achieved after 4 h of acid leaching.

Key words: chalcopyrite; mechanical activation; agglomeration; aggregation; leaching