Abstract

Arsenic is becoming a major concern for the future of copper sulfide concentrates production and commercialization. The increment in the amount of Arsenic observed in the last decade has triggered stringer regulations around the globe. Additionally, the increment in the arsenic content in the copper concentrates is challenging logistics, social licenses and has a detrimental effect on smelters cost and efficiencies. To overcome these challenges, it seems reasonable to treat and dispose Arsenic as near as possible to the mining activities. In this regard the advantages and disadvantages of current methods used by the mining industry to treat Arsenical industrial solutions and Arsenic disposal are reviewed. As results of the analysis, we propose an advanced electrochemical oxidation method based on using a BDD Anode for catalytic oxidation of As3+ to As5+ through free radicals generation, enabling further production of Scorodite. Advantages and challenges are discussed along the presentation.