Synthesis of copper nanoparticles from refractory sulfides using a semi-industrial mechanochemical approach

•Copper was successfully prepared by mechanochemical reduction of CuS and Cu2S.•Mechanochemical reduction of CuS is reported for the first time.•The experiments were performed on a semi-industrial scale.•Magnetometry was used to evaluate the kinetics of the processes.•Cu2S was reduced more easily than CuS.