Abstract

Mineral leaching is the key unit operation in metallurgical processes and corresponds to the dissolution of metals. The study of leaching is carried out in many areas, such as geology, agriculture and metallurgy. This paper provides an introduction to the theoretical background regarding the mathematical modelling of the leaching process of copper minerals, establishing an overall picture of the scientific literature on technological developments and the generation of representative mathematical and theoretical models, and indicating the challenges and potential contributions of comprehensive models representing the dynamics of copper mineral leaching.