Question 5
[9]
5.1 Discussthe advantages of roasting copper sulphide ores followed by acid leaching of the calcine.
(5)
5.2 The technologies of copper hydrometallurgy for treating copper oxide and sulphide ore and
concentrates are continuously developing and expanding. Briefly discuss the key drivers for this
development around SX-EWroute of copper processing.
(4)
Question 6
[10]
You are given a project to leach a copper sulphide ore from a newly explored mine site. The mine
stakeholders are unclear of the importance of doing mineralogical analysis before leaching begins as
they want the leaching process to commence immediately. Briefly discuss the importance of
mineralogy to present to the stakeholders.
Question 7
[12]
In an electrolysis device, an external direct- current supply is connected to two platinum electrodes
immersed in a 1.0 M CuSQ4(aq) solution at 25°C.As the cell runs, copper metal is deposited onto one
electrode and 02(g) is produced at the other electrode.
a) Sketch this cell and label the anode and cathode electrodes, also the direction of the flow of
electrons.
(4)
b) Write the balanced net ionic equation of the overall electrolysis reaction that occurs in the
cell.
(2)
c) Determine the Gibbs free energy for this reaction.
(3)
d) An electric current of 1.50 amps passesthrough the cell for 40 Minutes. Calculate the mass in
grams of the CU(stlhat is deposited on the electrode.
(3)