Copper extraction

Copper extraction is the multi-stage process of obtaining copper from its ores. The conversion of copper ores consists of a series of physical, chemical, and electrochemical processes. Methods have evolved and vary with country depending on the ore source, local environmental regulations, and other factors.^[1] The copper smelters with the highest production capacity (metric tons of copper yearly) lie in China, Chile, India, Germany, Japan, Peru and Russia.^[2] China alone has over half of the world's production capacity and is also the world's largest consumer of refined copper.^[3][4]

Precious metals and sulfuric acid are often valuable by-products of copper refining.^[5] Arsenic is the main type of impurity found in copper concentrates to enter smelting facilities.^[2] There has been an increase in arsenic in copper concentrates over the years since shallow, low-arsenic copper deposits have been progressively depleted.^[6]