The present invention relates to a process for extracting aluminum, potassium and alunite sulfate from sulfide copper ore tailings with the aim of reducing the alunite content in the ore tailings, to the products obtained through this process and their uses. The process includes at least a step of heat treatment of the raw material and a leaching step. The process generates a first coproduct rich in quartz and a second coproduct rich in aluminum and/or potassium sulfates. The proposed process route has a high percentage of aluminum, potassium and alunite sulfate extraction, with effective reduction of the alunite content in the ore tailings, low cost and the obtaining of coproducts that can be subsequently marketed and/or disposed of in the environment in a safe manner and contributes to the practice of circular economy.

The present invention relates to a process for extracting aluminum, potassium and alunite sulfate from sulfide copper ore tailings with the aim of reducing the alunite content in the ore tailings, to the products obtained through this process and their uses. The process includes at least a step of heat treatment of the raw material and a leaching step. The process generates a first coproduct rich in quartz and a second coproduct rich in aluminum and/or potassium sulfates. The proposed process route has a high percentage of aluminum, potassium and alunite sulfate extraction, with effective reduction of the alunite content in the ore tailings, low cost and the obtaining of coproducts that can be subsequently marketed and/or disposed of in the environment in a safe manner and contributes to the practice of circular economy.

The present disclosure is directed to apparatus and method for more efficiently and effectively refining alum process residue into commercially useable compounds. Materials that contain aluminum or aluminum oxide are provided to a vessel where a chemical rection is controlled when a product is made. Materials that include aluminum can be provided to the vessel and acid can also be provided to the vessel to initiate a chemical reaction. Masses of respective materials provided to the vessel can be controlled according to a regimen for making a product. Temperatures of the vessel can be monitored and controlled while the reaction occurs. Activated carbon may be added to the vessel to help the product performance and stability. Once the product is formed, it is output from the vessel and cooled. The product can be subsequently processed using techniques such as grinding and screening when a final product is prepared.

The present disclosure is directed to apparatus and method for more efficiently and effectively refining alum process residue into commercially useable compounds. Materials that contain aluminum or aluminum oxide are provided to a vessel where a chemical rection is controlled when a product is made. Materials that include aluminum can be provided to the vessel and acid can also be provided to the vessel to initiate a chemical reaction. Masses of respective materials provided to the vessel can be controlled according to a regimen for making a product. Temperatures of the vessel can be monitored and controlled while the reaction occurs. Activated carbon may be added to the vessel to help the product performance and stability. Once the product is formed, it is output from the vessel and cooled. The product can be subsequently processed using techniques such as grinding and screening when a final product is prepared.