Hi Daiji,
From what i understand the differences are the Oxide is the highly weathered rock found closer to the surface and the copper is there as a copper oxide. It is this rock that works well in the heap leach as it is broken down and easily leached with acid.
The deepest is the fresh rock which is not weathered and much harder. The copper is usually found as a sulphide - usually higher grades, this does not leach as easily but is what is more traditionally mined for copper recovery by producing concentrates and smelting.
The zone in between is the transition between the two and is not fully weathered, so is a bit of a mix.
If anyone can elaborate on this please do.
Cheers Fero
CUO
copperco limited
