Proof of concept on a copper metal sample
Leaching foams - Reducing the impact of metal mining

Copper is present in WEEE in metallic form, which differentiates it from the corresponding ores where this element is in oxidized form. The leaching methods used in the mining industry cannot therefore be simply transposed. The extraction of copper from WEEE is a recent research topic, but one that has been the subject of numerous studies. Several approaches have been investigated, in particular to develop processes that break with existing technologies. In the case of the use of foams, the aim is to build on the phenomena specific to aqueous phase leaching, but whose effect will be amplified by the presence of bubbles. The first step is therefore to address only the reactivity of solutions, based on studies published to date.