Cognis says that its new LIX® 612N-LV reagent has been selected for use in the concentrate-leach SXEW flowsheet at Phelps Dodge’s Bagdad mine. Its selection is based in part on the performance of this reagent at the Phelps Dodge Morenci Metcalf plant. Cognis says that LIX® 612N-LV is part of a new generation of low-viscosity, modified solvent extraction reagents.

According to Steve Olafson, the company’s North American business manager, “they are designed to meet the high copper, high temperature and high acid values generated in emerging concentrate leaching processes and other new leaching technologies”. According to Cognis, the low viscosity and low density of its reagents enhances the separation of the organic and aqueous phases, resulting in cleaner phase separation and lower entrainment values, especially when operating at high reagent concentrations.