Mathematical Modeling for Enhancement Heap Leaching Of D.M.S Tailings for the Recovering Copper and Cobalt: Using Taguchi Method and Analysis Variance.

Abstract

The analytical method of Taguchi was carried out for interpreting leaching results obtained from overall feed of Cu-Co tailings in order to determine the optimal operatory conditions using mathematical model. The orthogonal matrix L25 (5 3 ) (OA, 3 factors with 5 levels) was performed to evaluate the effects of particle size (+12,5;.+6,3;+2,3;+2,3 +1,7;-1,7 mm), initial acidity (A = 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 g/L), flow rate (T = 15;17,5;20;22,5 and 25 L/h/m 2 ) on the metals dissolution rate (Cu and Co).The ANOVA statistical analysis was also used for determining the different interactions between monitored parameters. The experimental results of copper and cobalt dissolutions have showed that under optimal conditions (-1.7mm, 30g/L, 25L/h/m 2 ) for copper and cobalt, the yield leaching was respectively 89.1% and 61,35%),particle size is in interaction with acidity for copper leaching while acidity is also in interaction with the cobalt flow rate.