Procedure for leaching copper oxide by replacing sulfuric acid with a non-polluting organic leaching agent

摘要

Process for leaching copper oxide without the use of sulfuric acid where it comprises impregnating said copper oxide using a non-contaminating organic leaching agent consisting of an aqueous solution composed of tricarboxylic acid (C6H807) in combination with water, in a mixture with a acidity that varies between pH 1.0 to 5.0; obtain copper citrate; and optionally irrigating said copper oxide impregnated with said non-contaminating organic leaching agent, obtaining a more concentrated copper citrate.