Copper coprecipitation with hydrous Mg carbonates via brucite carbonation: Application to remediation of ultramafic mine tailings

Ultramafic mine tailings, which contain high concentrations of Ni and Cr as well as economically valuable metals such as Co, Cu, Zn, and Fe, are highly reactive and likely to transform rapidly into hydrated magnesium carbonate (HMC) minerals (i.e. nesquehonite, dypingite, hydromagnesite) upon reaction with aqueous solutions. This process not only traps atmospheric CO2 but also concentrates critical metals limiting the dispersion of toxic elements in the environment. However, the mechanisms by which metals are incorporated into hydrated Mg carbonates, and the effects of these metals on the stability and growth/transformation kinetics of these phases have not yet been quantitatively assessed. This study investigates copper coprecipitation with HMC during brucite (Mg(OH)2) carbonation over one month at 25, 40, and 60°C, with Cu concentrations ranging from 0.02 to 157 mmol/L (1–10,000 mg/L). Microscopic and spectroscopic analyses of reaction products revealed Cu removal via co-precipitation, with 95% of aqueous Cu removed within one month, even at high concentrations. Temperature influenced HMC crystallization and Cu removal efficiency, while elevated Cu levels promoted the formation of Cu-rich phases such as hydrous carbonates (e.g., malachite and mcguinnessite) and oxy/hydroxides/chlorides. These findings provide insight into Cu immobilization mechanisms in hydrous Mg-carbonates, with implications for critical metal recovery and CO₂ sequestration as well as remediation of waste water. Future work should optimize reaction parameters and analytical techniques to enhance the scalability of these processes for environmental and industrial applications.