Selective separation and recovery of copper from industrial waste by leaching

Efficient management of limited natural metal resources and minimizing environmental impact is crucial in modern industrial production. This study focuses on the selective separation and recovery of copper from industrial waste through hydrometallurgical and electrolytic methods. Industrial metal waste, particularly from electronics and manufacturing, contains valuable materials that, if properly processed, can serve as secondary raw materials. The research investigates various technological approaches for metal recycling, emphasizing hydrometallurgical leaching and electrolysis as effective recovery methods. The experimental part explores the processing of copper, brass, and bronze waste through sulfuric acid leaching, enhanced with hydrogen peroxide as an oxidizing agent, followed by electrolysis. The efficiency of copper recovery was assessed by atomic absorption spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. Results demonstrate that leaching at elevated temperatures (60°C) significantly improves metal dissolution rates, leading to higher recovery yields. Electrolytic processing of the leachate successfully produced high-purity copper, confirming the viability of this method for sustainable metal recycling. The findings highlight the environmental and economic benefits of recovering metals from industrial waste, reducing the reliance on primary raw materials, and minimizing waste generation. Further optimization of process parameters, including temperature, pH, and electrolyte composition, could enhance recovery efficiency and metal purity. This study contributes to the development of sustainable recycling strategies, promoting circular economy principles and reducing the environmental footprint of metal production.