Abstract

Solid surface physical chemistry, seepage mechanics theory for porous media, CT scanning, and SEM were used to carry out column leaching tests with a home-made segmented removable plexiglass column. The variation law for the permeability coefficients of each segment of the leaching column before and after leaching was analysed in order to address the issues of poor permeability and low leaching rate in ore heap leaching [1, 2]. The experimental findings indicated that, prior to leaching, the permeability coefficient of ore at various heights varied only slightly. The permeability coefficients were unevenly distributed along the height of the column after leaching, with the lowest value being at the base of the leaching column. The permeability of the leaching column clearly improved with the addition of surfactant. At the base of the leaching column, the permeability coefficient was 6% greater than in the control group [3]. Surfactant was also added, which approximately 10% more ore was leaching at the same time.According to a theoretical analysis, the surfactant increased the ore heaps' permeability primarily by minimising physical blockage by tiny particles and by reducing the deposition of chemical compounds [4].