In-situ recovery (ISR), also called in-situ leaching, is a sustainable mining technique that extracts copper by dissolving it underground and pumping the solution to the surface, minimizing environmental disruption (Mining Technology, 2024). ISR is widely used for copper in permeable deposits, offering a low-impact alternative to traditional mining.
ISR involves injecting a leaching solution, typically sulfuric acid, through wells into copper-bearing ore bodies, such as oxide or sulfide deposits (USGS, 2023). The acid dissolves copper minerals like chrysocolla or bornite, creating a copper-rich solution (ScienceDirect, 2024). This solution is pumped to the surface via recovery wells, where copper is recovered using solvent extraction and electrowinning (SX/EW) to produce pure copper cathodes (E & MJ, 2023). Freeport-McMoRan’s ISR operations in Arizona demonstrate high efficiency in copper recovery (Freeport-McMoRan, 2023).
ISR reduces surface disturbance by up to 90%, eliminating large-scale excavation and waste rock piles (USGS, 2023). It also lowers energy consumption and emissions compared to open-pit or underground mining (Mining Technology, 2024). ISR is particularly effective for low-grade or deep deposits, enhancing resource utilization (ScienceDirect, 2024).
Challenges include the risk of groundwater contamination, necessitating rigorous monitoring, and its limitation to porous ores (E & MJ, 2023). Initial setup costs can also be high (Gartner, 2022). ISR is advancing sustainable copper extraction.
Do you think the environmental benefits of ISR outweigh the risks of groundwater contamination? Share your thoughts!
