Iranian nanotech breakthrough promises low-cost, more efficient copper extraction
A domestically developed nanotechnology for producing mineral nanocollectors could help lower copper processing costs in Iran by boosting copper extraction while reducing the use of costly chemical reagents.
According to the head of the Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR)’s Tarbiat Modares University branch, Mehdi Eskandari, the technology was developed as part of a research and technology project at the branch’s Mineral Processing Research Center, focusing on the challenges of processing oxidized copper ores.
“Processing oxidized copper ores is one of the major challenges facing the mining industry, as copper oxide minerals are more difficult to float than sulfide minerals,” Eskandari said.
He added that, due to technical limitations at some processing plants, part of the copper contained in such deposits is lost during processing.
Researchers involved in the project have developed nanocollectors that can be used as auxiliary collectors alongside conventional collectors, he said.
According to Eskandari, the nanomaterials improve the interaction between mineral surfaces and processing chemicals, increasing the likelihood that copper particles will attach to air bubbles and thereby improving flotation efficiency.
“Using nanocollectors, in addition to increasing copper recovery, can reduce the consumption of some expensive chemicals, improve concentrate quality and lower the operating costs of processing plants,” he said.
He highlighted that the technology could also make it more economically viable to process low-grade ores and complex mineral deposits, potentially increasing productivity across mineral processing facilities.
“This technology has been developed to develop and localize advanced chemicals used in the mineral processing industry, and it can reduce the country’s dependence on imports of specialized collectors and additives,” he said.
The nanocollectors have undergone laboratory and pilot-scale testing and are now capable of being evaluated at pilot and industrial scales, according to Eskandari.
He added that negotiations are also underway with mining companies and copper industries in Iran to explore potential cooperation.
“The development of mineral nanocollectors can pave the way for wider application of nanotechnology in Iran’s mineral processing industry and, by increasing efficiency, reducing chemical consumption and improving the recovery of valuable metals, contribute to the development of domestic technologies and enhance the competitiveness of the country’s mining industry,” he said.
Missiles to drone swarms: How Iran is reshaping its aerospace sector with artificial intelligence
Iran’s indigenous TU5 nanocatalyst cuts precious-metal dependence, saves $500,000 per batch
Strait of Hormuz closure exposes AI’s hidden helium dependence, putting global chipmaking at risk
'Mafia-like threats’: Netizens decry US sanctions against ICC judges over Netanyahu arrest warrant
War on Iran pushes US debt toward $40 trillion as borrowing costs surge
VIDEO | Press TV's news headlines
VIDEO | Colombia quake death toll rises to 312
Israel confirms striking Syrian air base to block Turkish deployment
Iranian nanotech breakthrough promises low-cost, more efficient copper extraction
VIDEO | Israel close to collapse
Top Iranian commander warns Persian Gulf states against assisting US military
PressTV NEWSLETTER
now
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
