193 Figure 5 – Base case IPR simulation with: (a) total copper recovery; (b) copper recovery at stope top and bottom; (c) copper recovery by ore size; and (d) recovery by mineral type. 3.2 Effect of operational conditions Building on the base case, we then examine how lixiviant concentration and delivery rates influence performance, demonstrating the practical application of this modelling tool. The recovery-time curves of nine different cases are shown in Figures 6(a) to 6(c), and Figure 6(d) shows the time to reach 50% copper recovery for the tested cases. From the results, it takes over 12 months to reach 50% copper recovery for the lowest irrigation rate (4 L/m2/h) and feed Fe3+ concentration (5 g/L), and this time is shortened to four months with the highest irrigation rate (16 L/m2/h) and feed Fe3+ concentration (20 g/L). These results can be used to assess and optimise lixiviant application to meet production goals.
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