Turnkey Copper Cathode Mini-Plant

Turnkey copper cathode production mini-plant

• Modern Technologies Modern Technologies is an engineering company specializing in developing and deploying modern metallurgical and hydrometallurgical solutions. The company offers the design, supply, and start-up of turnkey copper cathode production mini-plants, delivering the full process cycle - from copper feedstock to finished high-purity cathodes. Our solutions are focused on building compact, energy-efficient, environmentally safe production complexes for cathode copper that meets international standards.

The mini-plant is designed for: Producing high-purity copper cathodes (99.99% Cu) used in metallurgy and industry. Main feedstock:

• Copper ore.
• Copper concentrate.
• Copper scrap.
• Copper waste.
• Anode copper.
• Recycled copper. Finished products:
• Copper cathodes.
• Electrolytic copper.
• Cathode plates. The product is used in:
• The cable industry.
• Electrical engineering.
• Copper wire rod production.
• Metallurgy.
• Machine building.
• Power engineering.

Depending on the feedstock, two main technologies are used:

• Pyrometallurgical process.
• Hydrometallurgical process (SX-EW).

Pyrometallurgical process:

• Feedstock preparation
• Copper smelting
• Producing anode copper
• Electrolysis
• Cathode production
• Washing and packaging

Hydrometallurgical process (SX-EW):

• Ore crushing
• Leaching
• Extraction
• Electrolysis
• Producing cathodes
• Drying and packaging

This technology delivers high-purity copper with minimal impact on the environment.

Main equipment Feedstock preparation section

• Crushers.
• Mills.
• Hoppers.
• Conveyors.
• Feedstock warehouse. Purpose - preparing the ore or concentrate.

Melting complex (for pyrometallurgy) Includes:

• Melting furnaces.
• Induction furnaces.
• Reverberatory furnaces.
• Anode furnaces.
• Gas cleaning systems. Melting temperature: 1100⁠-⁠1200°C The result is anode copper. Leaching section (SX-EW):
• Reactors.
• Acid baths.
• Pumping stations.
• Filtration systems.
• Tanks. Sulfuric acid is used to dissolve the copper.

Copper extraction (SX):

• Mixers.
• Settlers.
• Organic reagents.
• Pumping stations.
• Tanks. Provides solution purification.

Copper electrowinning (EW): The main production section Includes:

• Electrolytic cells.
• Cathodes.
• Anodes.
• Power supply.
• Electrolyte circulation system.
• Automatic control system. Parameters:
• Copper purity: 99.99%.
• Voltage: 2⁠-⁠3 V.
• Current density: 200⁠-⁠350 A/m².
• High process stability. Pure copper deposits on the cathodes.

Washing and packaging section:

• Washing baths.
• Drying units.
• Cathode cutting.
• Packaging.
• Finished product warehouse. The finished cathodes are packaged and shipped to the customer.

Production capacity Small mini-plant:

• 3,000⁠-⁠5,000 tonnes of cathodes a year.
• Compact installation.
• Low investment. Medium plant:
• 10,000⁠-⁠20,000 tonnes a year.
• High automation. Industrial complex:
• 30,000⁠-⁠50,000 tonnes a year.
• Industrial scale.

Copper cathode characteristics:

• Purity: 99.99%.
• Standard: LME Grade A.
• Form: sheet.
• Thickness: 5⁠-⁠10 mm.
• High electrical conductivity.
• Stable structure. The cathodes fully meet international requirements. Power consumption Per tonne of copper:
• Electricity: 1800⁠-⁠2500 kW.
• Water: 5⁠-⁠8 m³.
• Acid: per the process.
• Reagents: per the process. The cleaning system ensures environmental safety.

Advantages of Modern Technologies solutions

• A full-cycle engineering company
• Turnkey design
• Modern SX-EW technology
• High copper purity
• Energy efficiency
• Compact complexes
• Automation
• Environmental safety
• Technical support
• Staff training
• Production start-up

Project delivery timeline

• Design: 3⁠-⁠4 months

• Equipment manufacturing: 6⁠-⁠8 months

• Installation: 4 months

• Commissioning: 2 months Total delivery time: 12⁠-⁠18 months

• Modern Technologies We build modern metallurgical and hydrometallurgical complexes, delivering the full cycle of engineering solutions for industry. Modern Technologies - engineering, technology, and industrial development.