Copper mining chemicals fall into two groups depending on ore type. Sulphide ores are concentrated by froth flotation using a xanthate collector (SBX, SIBX or PAX) plus a frother. Oxide ores are processed by acid leaching, with sulphuric acid dissolving copper for recovery by solvent extraction and electrowinning (SX-EW). Chemnergy supplies both routes from stock in Lusaka.
