Abstract:Based on the characteristics of large scale and high leaching cost of low-grade copper-nickel-cobalt ores, a heap leaching process was proposed to extract valuable metals. In a pile leaching column of Φ290 mm×6 000 mm, the expansion experiment of sulfuric acid heap leaching was carried out to simulate an industrial yard. The effects of ore proportion, particle size, leaching days, and bacteria addition on the leaching process were investigated. The results show that the final Cu leaching rate can reach 73%, the leaching rate of Co and Ni can be improved by adding ferrous sulfate, and the amount of sulfuric acid can be decreased by adding bacteria. This research can provide technical support for the industrial application of heap leaching of low-grade copper-nickel-cobalt ores.