OA16393A - Selective leach recovery of zinc from a composite sulphide ore deposit, tailings, crushed ore or mine sludge. - Google Patents
Selective leach recovery of zinc from a composite sulphide ore deposit, tailings, crushed ore or mine sludge. Download PDFInfo
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- OA16393A OA16393A OA1201300173 OA16393A OA 16393 A OA16393 A OA 16393A OA 1201300173 OA1201300173 OA 1201300173 OA 16393 A OA16393 A OA 16393A
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- OA
- OAPI
- Prior art keywords
- zinc
- leachant
- lead
- leaching
- sulphide
- Prior art date
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- 239000011701 zinc Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 71
- 229910052725 zinc Inorganic materials 0.000 title claims abstract description 68
- HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N zinc Chemical compound [Zn] HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 title claims abstract description 65
- 238000011084 recovery Methods 0.000 title claims description 17
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 title abstract description 19
- UCKMPCXJQFINFW-UHFFFAOYSA-N sulphide Chemical compound [S-2] UCKMPCXJQFINFW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 title description 7
- 239000010802 sludge Substances 0.000 title description 3
- SUKJFIGYRHOWBL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Sodium hypochlorite Chemical compound [Na+].Cl[O-] SUKJFIGYRHOWBL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 27
- 239000005708 Sodium hypochlorite Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 27
- 238000002386 leaching Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 26
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 25
- 239000005083 Zinc sulfide Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 20
- 230000001590 oxidative Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 15
- 239000007800 oxidant agent Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 14
- WGPCGCOKHWGKJJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N sulfanylidenezinc Chemical compound [Zn]=S WGPCGCOKHWGKJJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 14
- 239000011667 zinc carbonate Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 14
- 229910000010 zinc carbonate Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 14
- 150000004763 sulfides Chemical class 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- LILHXQCLSOZSRO-UHFFFAOYSA-J dizinc;oxozinc;dicarbonate;tetrahydrate Chemical compound O.O.O.O.[Zn+2].[Zn+2].[Zn]=O.[Zn]=O.[Zn]=O.[O-]C([O-])=O.[O-]C([O-])=O LILHXQCLSOZSRO-UHFFFAOYSA-J 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 235000004416 zinc carbonate Nutrition 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 30
- 239000005864 Sulphur Substances 0.000 claims description 11
- NINIDFKCEFEMDL-UHFFFAOYSA-N sulfur Chemical compound [S] NINIDFKCEFEMDL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 11
- 239000003513 alkali Substances 0.000 claims description 10
- 239000003153 chemical reaction reagent Substances 0.000 claims description 10
- 238000007254 oxidation reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 10
- WQYVRQLZKVEZGA-UHFFFAOYSA-N Hypochlorite Chemical compound Cl[O-] WQYVRQLZKVEZGA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 8
- 230000003647 oxidation Effects 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-M hydroxyl anion Chemical compound [OH-] XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 claims description 6
- NWONKYPBYAMBJT-UHFFFAOYSA-L Zinc sulfate Chemical compound [Zn+2].[O-]S([O-])(=O)=O NWONKYPBYAMBJT-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 claims description 5
- VLTRZXGMWDSKGL-UHFFFAOYSA-M Perchlorate Chemical compound [O-]Cl(=O)(=O)=O VLTRZXGMWDSKGL-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 claims description 4
- XGZRAKBCYZIBKP-UHFFFAOYSA-L disodium;dihydroxide Chemical compound [OH-].[OH-].[Na+].[Na+] XGZRAKBCYZIBKP-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- MYMOFIZGZYHOMD-UHFFFAOYSA-N oxygen Chemical compound O=O MYMOFIZGZYHOMD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- XCAUINMIESBTBL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Lead(II) sulfide Chemical compound [Pb]=S XCAUINMIESBTBL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000007792 addition Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 150000002978 peroxides Chemical class 0.000 claims description 2
- HEMHJVSKTPXQMS-UHFFFAOYSA-M sodium hydroxide Chemical compound [OH-].[Na+] HEMHJVSKTPXQMS-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 abstract description 110
- 239000011133 lead Substances 0.000 abstract description 36
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 abstract description 5
- 238000011065 in-situ storage Methods 0.000 abstract description 4
- 238000011066 ex-situ storage Methods 0.000 abstract description 3
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 abstract description 2
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 abstract description 2
- 239000011435 rock Substances 0.000 abstract description 2
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 abstract description 2
- 229910052500 inorganic mineral Inorganic materials 0.000 abstract 4
- 239000011707 mineral Substances 0.000 abstract 4
- 235000010755 mineral Nutrition 0.000 abstract 4
- 238000003723 Smelting Methods 0.000 abstract 1
- 150000008044 alkali metal hydroxides Chemical class 0.000 abstract 1
- 150000004649 carbonic acid derivatives Chemical class 0.000 abstract 1
- 238000009854 hydrometallurgy Methods 0.000 abstract 1
- 238000007670 refining Methods 0.000 abstract 1
- 229940091251 Zinc Supplements Drugs 0.000 description 54
- ODINCKMPIJJUCX-UHFFFAOYSA-N calcium monoxide Chemical compound [Ca]=O ODINCKMPIJJUCX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 16
- VTYYLEPIZMXCLO-UHFFFAOYSA-L calcium carbonate Chemical compound [Ca+2].[O-]C([O-])=O VTYYLEPIZMXCLO-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 11
- 238000000605 extraction Methods 0.000 description 10
- 239000000292 calcium oxide Substances 0.000 description 8
- 235000012255 calcium oxide Nutrition 0.000 description 8
- CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N carbon dioxide Chemical compound O=C=O CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 8
- 229910002092 carbon dioxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 8
- CDBYLPFSWZWCQE-UHFFFAOYSA-L sodium carbonate Chemical compound [Na+].[Na+].[O-]C([O-])=O CDBYLPFSWZWCQE-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 7
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Chemical compound O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 7
- 229910052984 zinc sulfide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 7
- 239000001569 carbon dioxide Substances 0.000 description 6
- MHAJPDPJQMAIIY-UHFFFAOYSA-N hydrogen peroxide Chemical compound OO MHAJPDPJQMAIIY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- 238000005065 mining Methods 0.000 description 6
- FAPWRFPIFSIZLT-UHFFFAOYSA-M sodium chloride Chemical compound [Na+].[Cl-] FAPWRFPIFSIZLT-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 6
- 229910000019 calcium carbonate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 5
- 239000000460 chlorine Substances 0.000 description 5
- YADSGOSSYOOKMP-UHFFFAOYSA-N dioxolead Chemical compound O=[Pb]=O YADSGOSSYOOKMP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 5
- -1 dry batteries Substances 0.000 description 5
- QAOWNCQODCNURD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Sulfuric acid Chemical compound OS(O)(=O)=O QAOWNCQODCNURD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 238000004090 dissolution Methods 0.000 description 4
- XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N iron Chemical compound [Fe] XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 239000000047 product Substances 0.000 description 4
- 229960003563 Calcium Carbonate Drugs 0.000 description 3
- HVTHJRMZXBWFNE-UHFFFAOYSA-J Sodium zincate Chemical compound [OH-].[OH-].[OH-].[OH-].[Na+].[Na+].[Zn+2] HVTHJRMZXBWFNE-UHFFFAOYSA-J 0.000 description 3
- QTBSBXVTEAMEQO-UHFFFAOYSA-N acetic acid Chemical compound CC(O)=O QTBSBXVTEAMEQO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 239000012141 concentrate Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000008367 deionised water Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 3
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 description 3
- 238000002156 mixing Methods 0.000 description 3
- 229910000029 sodium carbonate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000011780 sodium chloride Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000002689 soil Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000002253 acid Substances 0.000 description 2
- BDOSMKKIYDKNTQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N cadmium Chemical compound [Cd] BDOSMKKIYDKNTQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910052793 cadmium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 229910052801 chlorine Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- ZAMOUSCENKQFHK-UHFFFAOYSA-N chlorine atom Chemical compound [Cl] ZAMOUSCENKQFHK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 description 2
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000005868 electrolysis reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000001914 filtration Methods 0.000 description 2
- 150000002500 ions Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 229910052742 iron Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000006011 modification reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910052950 sphalerite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- RAHZWNYVWXNFOC-UHFFFAOYSA-N sulphur dioxide Chemical compound O=S=O RAHZWNYVWXNFOC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- XLOMVQKBTHCTTD-UHFFFAOYSA-N zinc monoxide Chemical compound [Zn]=O XLOMVQKBTHCTTD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910000368 zinc sulfate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000011686 zinc sulphate Substances 0.000 description 2
- DRDVZXDWVBGGMH-UHFFFAOYSA-N zinc;sulfide Chemical class [S-2].[Zn+2] DRDVZXDWVBGGMH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910001369 Brass Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229940088417 PRECIPITATED CALCIUM CARBONATE Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910052783 alkali metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000001340 alkali metals Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000004411 aluminium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminum Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000010953 base metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007844 bleaching agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010951 brass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000006227 byproduct Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011575 calcium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052791 calcium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004035 construction material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002537 cosmetic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001186 cumulative Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004512 die casting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007865 diluting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003814 drug Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005363 electrowinning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229940024464 emollients and protectives Zinc products Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 238000009852 extractive metallurgy Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003337 fertilizer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000706 filtrate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009291 froth flotation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005246 galvanizing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011491 glass wool Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000227 grinding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910001385 heavy metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000012535 impurity Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000976 ink Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052745 lead Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- YEXPOXQUZXUXJW-UHFFFAOYSA-N lead(II) oxide Inorganic materials [Pb]=O YEXPOXQUZXUXJW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- PWHULOQIROXLJO-UHFFFAOYSA-N manganese Chemical compound [Mn] PWHULOQIROXLJO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052748 manganese Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011572 manganese Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011785 micronutrient Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013369 micronutrients Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000003278 mimic Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004570 mortar (masonry) Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000033116 oxidation-reduction process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003973 paint Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002572 peristaltic Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000002244 precipitate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001376 precipitating Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004094 preconcentration Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007639 printing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004064 recycling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000006722 reduction reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001226 reprecipitation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010079 rubber tapping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002893 slag Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000344 soap Substances 0.000 description 1
- KEAYESYHFKHZAL-UHFFFAOYSA-N sodium Chemical compound [Na] KEAYESYHFKHZAL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000011734 sodium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052708 sodium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000001187 sodium carbonate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000001117 sulphuric acid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000011149 sulphuric acid Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000004753 textile Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013619 trace mineral Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 125000000391 vinyl group Chemical group [H]C([*])=C([H])[H] 0.000 description 1
- 239000011787 zinc oxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229960001763 zinc sulfate Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 235000009529 zinc sulphate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
Abstract
Zinc and lead are usually concomitantly present in Zn-Pb ores and tailings. A novel nonpolluting hydrometallurgical process for selectively leaching and recovering zinc (Zn) from a composite lead (Pb) and zinc sulphide containing mineral, crushed untreated rock or unconsolidated mineral particles, mill tailings and/or agglomerated or unagglomerated sulphidic zinc containing waste material without necessitating smelting and refining operation has been developed. A combination of selected oxidant and alkali metal hydroxide has been found effective. A leachant consisting of e.g. a mixture of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCI) is employed to selectively dissolve zinc sulphide at high pH at standard temperature and pressure (STP). The kinetics of leaching along with the effect of varying concentration (preferably of sodium hydroxide and sodium hypochlorite) were systematically investigated. Feed ore containing diverse set of minerals e.g. sulphides and carbonates can also be conveniently treated to selectively and almost quantitatively recover zinc as high purity zinc carbonate. This technology can be employed either in-situ or ex-situ based on the amenability of a particular type of mineral deposit or feed ore.
Description
SELECTIVE LEACH RECOVERY OF ZINC FROM A COMPOSITE SULPHIDE ORE DEPOSIT, TAILINGS, CRUSHED ORE OR MINE SLUDGE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Lead and zinc sulphides generally undergo similar oxidation-reduction reactions. As a resuit, there 5 is no known method to leach and recover zinc selectively from composite lead-zinc sulphidic minerais. This invention deals with a sélective leaching and recovery of zinc from composite zinc and usually lead-bearing sulphides, which are either in the form of complex zinc and lead métal containing sulphidic minerais, or in the form of zinc sulphide concentrâtes, in-situ or ex-situ in an économie and environmentally friendly manner.
Zinc is the fourth most common métal in use, trailing only iron, aluminium, and copper. It is normally found in association with other base metals such as copper and lead in naturally occurring ores. Zinc has a low affinity for oxides and prefers to bond with sulphides. Sphalerite, which is a form of zinc sulphide, is the most heavily mined zinc-containing ore. The major uses of zinc are anticorrosion coatings on steel (galvanizing), précision components (die casting), construction material, 15 brass, dry batteries, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics and micronutrient for humans, animais and plants. The oxide is used in the manufacture of paints, rubber products, floor coverings, plastics, printing inks, soap, textiles, electrical equipment, and other products.
Conventional extractive metallurgical process generally involves pyrometallurgical methods for recovering zinc values from zinc sulphides. Known recovery process mostly involves grinding the 20 ore, froth flotation (which selectively séparâtes minerais from gangue by taking advantage of différences in hydrophobicity) to get an ore concentrate, roasting and réduction with carbon or electrowinning. However, such treatment often entails expensive mining and beneficiation process steps to concentrate the sulphides. In addition, the production of zinc employing the known technology from sulphidic zinc ores produces large amounts of sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide and 25 cadmium vapor. Smelter slag and other residues of process also contain significant amounts of heavy metals. The dumps of the past mining operations leach significant amounts of zinc and cadmium. Soils contaminated with zinc through the mining of zinc-containing ores, refîning, or where zinc-containing sludge is used as fertilizer, can contain several grams of zinc per kilogram of dry soil. Levels of zinc in excess of 500 ppm in soil are deemed to interfère with the ability of plants 30 to absorb other essential metals, such as iron and manganèse. Further, strict adhérence to environmental régulations governing mining operations may substantially increase the cost of recovering zinc from its ores by conventional processes.
A patent search revealed only approaches to simultaneously leach both lead and zinc from composite lead-zînc sulphidic minerais. Geisler in United States Patent 5,523,066 and Turner in United States Patent 6,726,828, describe use of in-situ leach mining utilizing a mixture of acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide (for sulphide oxidation) to recover Ca, Mn, Pb and Zn as a combined 5 leachate from a permeable geological host. Both methods employ hydrogen peroxide as an oxidant. The décomposition of hydrogen peroxide with time and its effect on the overall recovery process is left unexplained. United States Patent No. 4,500,398 uses fluosllicic acid with an oxidant to dissolve sulphides. Neither of these methods suggests sélective leaching of zinc from composite lead-zinc sulphidic minerais proposed herein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A new hydrometallurgical method has been found for sélective dissolution of zinc from composite zinc sulphidic minerais.
The invention comprises a process for sélective leaching of zinc from mixtures and ores containing zinc sulphide, comprising:
a. contacting the mixture or ore with an aqueous leachant comprising: 1) an oxidant selected to oxidize the sulphur présent only to elemental sulphur, and 2) alkali métal hydroxide in amounts sufficient to form soluble alkali métal zincate;
b. extending the contact time between leachant and solids to give the desired zinc recovery and selectivity in the leachate while maintaining operative reagent concentrations;
c. separating the desired leachate from the residual solids; and
d. recovering zinc from the leachate.
The oxidant may be selected from the group consisting of an oxygen-containing gas, a watersoluble peroxide, a water-soluble perchlorate and a water-soluble hypochlorite.
Preferably the oxidant is a hypochlorite in a concentration sufficient to oxidize ail of the sulphides 25 présent.
When the starting solids also contain lead sulphide, the resulting leachate is substantially free of lead after an extended contact time.
The desired oxidation potential of the leachant for steps a) and b) is maintained by reagent addition. The desired alkali métal hydroxide content of the leachant is maintained throughout the i V· leaching steps a) and b). The contact time in steps a) and b) is extended for up to about 24 hours to attain desired recovery and selectivity.
The invention includes an aqueous leachant composition selected to solubilise zinc selectively from zinc sulphide-containing sulphidic minerais and mixtures, comprisîng:
1) an oxidant selected to oxidize the sulphur from the sulphides only to the elemental sulphur stage; and
2) an alkali métal hydroxide selected to form soluble alkali métal zincates from zinc sulphide oxidation products.
In a preferred aspect the composite sulphides are treated with a mixture of sodium hydroxide and 10 sodium hypochlorite at ambrent température and pressure. Sodium hypochlorite is used as an oxidant to oxidize sulphide in the composite minerai to elemental sulphur. Zinc oxide thus formed reacts with sodium hydroxide to form soluble sodium zincate which is subsequently treated to recover zinc as high purity zinc carbonate. Zinc carbonate can be easily converted to other zinc products based on end-user requirements.
In another embodiment of the invention zinc sulphide containing unconsolidated minerais, including discrète blocks of rocks and agglomerated ore particles and concentrate, agglomerated and unagglomerated zinc sulphide bearing mill tailings of minerai beneficiation and similar zinc sulphide containing by-products and waste products of recycling processes, are leached ex-situ, at ambient température and pressure, with a solution containing sodium hydroxide and sodium hypochlorite.
The prégnant leach solution is subsequently removed and is treated for zinc recovery.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the drawings, which form part of this application:
Figure 1 is a flowsheet of the process of the invention.
Figure 2 is a graph showing cumulative lead concentration in solution at various NaOH and NaOCI 25 concentrations;
Figure 3 is a graph showing NaOH and NaOCI concentration influence on lead extraction; and
Figure 4 is a graph showing NaOH and NaOCI concentration influence on zinc extraction.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS ι >·* ·
Figure 1 is a flowsheet of the process of recovery of zinc as zinc carbonate/zinc métal from the leachate obtained by leaching a composite lead-zinc sulfide minerai with a leachant consisting of a mixture of sodium hypochlorite and sodium hydroxide.
A leachant consisting of a mixture of sodium hydroxide and sodium hypochlorite is prepared by 5 diluting concentrated reagent grade solutions to a pre-determined concentration level and mixing them thoroughly in a stirred tank reactor. A composite lead-zinc sulfide minerai is then treated with the leachant thus prepared for the dissolution of sulfides by oxidative dissolution process. The leach liquor containing the dissolved métal ions is collected in a prégnant leach solution (PLS) holding tank. Any lead présent in the leachate is separated and recovered as lead métal employing 10 cementation, a well known art in the industry. Carbon dioxide gas is bubbled through the lead depleted leachate to precipitate zinc as solid zinc carbonate, which is separated by solid-liquid filtration. Zinc carbonate thus recovered is dissolved is sulfuric acid to produce zinc sulfate solution for electrolytic recovery of zinc as zinc métal.
The lead and zinc depleted leachate is passed through an electrochemical cell to regenerate 15 sodium hypochlorite. The regenerated solution mixture containing sodium hypochlorite and sodium carbonate is treated with quick lime or calcium oxide to precipitate calcium carbonate and regenerate sodium hydroxide. The precipitated calcium carbonate is separated by solid-liquid filtration. The filtrate consisting of a mixture of sodium hypochlorite and sodium hydroxide is recycled for further leaching. Calcium carbonate is roasted to produce carbon dioxide gas and 20 calcium oxide. Carbon dioxide gas is recycled to precipitate zinc carbonate and calcium oxide is recycled to regenerate sodium hydroxide solution. The overall process runs as a closed-loop operation.
In one aspect of the présent process for solubilîzing zinc from composite zinc-sulphidic minerais in the ore body, crushed ore or tailings, a solution consisting of a mixture of sodium hydroxide and 25 sodium hypochlorite is used. In one of the preferred embodiments of the présent invention the sulphide bearing minerais in the ore are brought into contact with a mixture of sodium hydroxide and sodium hypochlorite at high pH. The leach solution reacts with the sulphidic minerais to attain the highest métal ion concentration to render the leaching process economical as determined by the kinetics of the process. The prégnant solution containing the dissolved value metals, in 30 particular solubilized zinc, are recovered from the leach solution by precipitating zinc as zinc carbonate. Sodium hydroxide (one of the most common laboratory reagents) combined with sodium hypochlorite (commonly referred to as bleach) ensures that the reagents utilized in the leaching process are not likely to damage the environment. The leaching process is conducted at ambient température and pressure.
> ί*
In one preferred embodiment, at a concentration e.g. of about 0.48M sodium hypochlorite and e.g. about 1.35M sodium hydroxîde, about 96% of zinc was extracted in less than 24 hours while lead recovery was less than about 1%. Zinc leaching kinetics was observed to be the exact opposite of lead leaching kinetics. While lead recovery percentage rapidly declined from an initial about 1525% extraction, largely attributable to the précipitation of lead as lead dioxide due to over-oxidation, zinc recovery percentage rapidly increased initially and formed a plateau. Zinc is recovered from the solution as zinc carbonate and sodium chloride dissolved in solution is electrolyzed to regenerate the original leachant forming a closed-loop process.
The recovery of metals from their sulphides by hydrometallurgical methods usually nécessitâtes the oxidation of the sulphide ion in the métal sulphide to render the métal soluble and hence recoverable from the solution. It has been found that for best results the sulphide in the sulphidic minerais is oxidized only to elemental sulphur, hence the oxidation potential of the oxidant in the leach solution is adjusted such that it is insufficient to oxidize the sulphide to the hexavalent state. The oxidation potential of a reagent is understood to mean the power of the reagent to remove électrons and it may be expressed quantitatively in millivolts. In the présent process for leaching zinc from zinc sulphidic minerais by a mixture of sodium hydroxîde and sodium hypochlorite, the oxidant (sodium hypochlorite) could be potentially replaced by oxygen or air, making the process even more économie. Other alkali metals e.g. K could replace sodium. Sélective dissolution of zinc sulphide from composite zinc-lead sulphidic minerais is largely attributed to over-oxidation of lead leading to reprecipitation of lead as lead dioxide during the leaching process attributable to the following reactions:
PbO + 2 OH* + HZO — Pb(OH)4 2*
Pb(OH)4 2' + Cl2 -> PbO2 + 2 CI* + 2 H2O
The chemistry involved in the alkaline leaching process is as follows:
1. Chlorine and sodium hydroxîde are produced by electrolysis of aqueous sodium chloride solution.
2NaCI + 2HZO -> Cl2 + H2 + 2NaOH
2. Sodium hypochlorite is produced by mixing chlorine with sodium hydroxîde.
Cl2(g) + 8 NaOH -> 4 NaCIO + 4 NaCI + 4 HZO
3. Sodium hypochlorite reacts with zinc sulphide in presence of sodium hydroxîde to
I produce soluble sodium zincate, sodium chloride and elemental sulphur.
NaCIO + ZnS(s) + NaOH -> NaZnOOH + NaCI + S°
4, Soluble sodium zincate produced in step 3 is treated with carbon dioxide gas to precipitate insoluble zinc carbonate.
NaZnOOH + NaOH + 2 CO2(g) ZnCO3(s) + Na2CO3 + H2O
5.
5. Sodium hydroxide is regenerated by treating sodium carbonate produced in step 4 with quick lime.
CaO + H2O + Na2CO3 -> CaCO3(s) + 2 NaOH
6.
6. Calcium carbonate produced in step 5 is calcined to regenerate quick lime and carbon dioxide gas, which are recycled.
CaCO3 —> CaO + CO2
7.
Pure zinc métal is produced by the electrolysis of zinc sulphate solution produced by dissolving zinc carbonate precipitate from step 4 in sulphuric acid.
ZnCO3 + H2SO4 —♦ ZnSO4 + H2O + COZ
Znz+ + 2e —» Zn
A bleed solution is intermittently treated to remove the impurities built up during the leaching process.
The présent invention has the additional advantage that it does not entail preconcentration of the minerais, which may require costly mining expenditures and equipment. The process does not create acid drainage problems and uses relatively environmentally benign reagents.
EXAMPLE 1 g of crushed ore was placed in a bottle with 450 ml lixiviant. The lixiviant was prepared by mixing 300 ml consumer grade sodium hypochlorite (NaOCI) with 150 ml deionized water and 24.3g sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The target concentrations prior to testing were 1.35M NaOH and 0.6M NaOCI. The mixture was continuously stirred with a magnetic stirrer. 20 ml samples were collected at fixed interval of time and quantitatively analyzed for both lead and zinc concentration.
I
Approximately 96% of zinc was recovered in less than 24 hours. Lead concentration in the solution at the end of 24 hours period of the experiment was found to be less than 1%.
EXAMPLE 2
Column test was conducted to mimic in-situ leaching. Approximately 120 g crushed ore, containing composite lead and zinc sulphidic minerais was lightly ground with a mortar/pestle and packed in a 1.27 cm-ID (internai diameter) X 51cm-L clear vinyl tube. Small plugs of glass wool were placed on the ends of the tubing, acting as particulate filters as the liquid goes through the column. Tapping the sides of the column ensured uniform packing. Prior to leaching, N2 sparged deionized water was pumped through the column to remove any entrapped air. The deionized water was left in the sealed column overnight.
The lixiviant (0.675M NaOH and 0.48M NaOCI) was pumped upward through the column, at relatively constant flow rate using a peristaltic pump. The effluent was collected in a separatory funnel. 10-15 ml aqueous samples were collected at the exit of the column at pre-set time întervals and quantitatively analyzed for lead and zinc concentration. The target flow rate was 1 ml/min, translating into approx 20 minutes résidence time in the column. The actual average flow rate throughout the 22.5 hours testing period was 1.05 ml/min. While approximately 81% of zinc was recovered, only abouti % lead was extracted.
Detailed kinetic leaching tests were performed at various sodium hydroxide and sodium hypochlorite concentrations. Table 1 summarizes the experimental results illustrated in Figures 2, 3 and 4.
Table! : Experimental results for leaching composite lead-zinc sulfide minerai
Time | Volume | % Lead Extraction | % Zinc Extraction | |
(h) | (ml) | % | % | |
a) | 1 | 450 | 11% | 50% |
0.24M | ||||
2 | 442 | 9% | 58% | |
NaOCI 0.675M | ||||
4 | 434 | 6% | 66% | |
NaOH | ||||
24 | 426 | 1% | 76% | |
48 | 418 | 2% | 74% |
51 72 | 460 452 | 1% 0% | 74% 75% | |
b) | 1 | 450 | 25% | 46% |
0.24Μ NaOCI | 2 | 442 | 23% | 57% |
1.35M NaOH | 4 | 434 | 21% | 69% |
24 | 426 | 14% | 84% | |
48 | 418 | 7% | 83% | |
51 | 460 | 4% | 85% | |
72 | 452 | 0% | 86% | |
c) | 1 | 450 | 5% | 55% |
0.48M NaOCI | 2 | 442 | 5% | 64% |
0.675M NaOH | 4 | 434 | 4% | 72% |
24 | 426 | 1% | 81% | |
48 | 418 | 1% | 79% | |
72 | 410 | 1% | 74% | |
d) | 1 | 450 | 20% | 61% |
0.48M NaOCI | 2 | 442 | 17% | 71% |
1.35M NaOH | 4 | 434 | 15% | 80% |
24 | 426 | 1% | 96% | |
48 | 418 | 1% | 95% | |
72 | 410 | 0% | 89% |
Figure 2 shows the quantity of lead that remains dissolved in the leachate after leaching a composite lead-zinc sulfide minerai employing a leachant consisting of a mixture of sodium hydroxide and sodium hypochlorite. The effect of variable concentrations of sodium hypochlorite at various sodium hydroxide concentrations clearly indicates that there is a rapid decrease in the quantity of dissolved lead in the leachate with time.
Figure 3 shows the kinetic efficiency of lead extraction on leaching a mixture of composite lead-zinc sulfide minerai employing a leachant consisting of a mixture of sodium hydroxide and sodium hypochlorite. The effect of variable concentrations of sodium hypochlorite at various sodium hydroxide concentrations again indicates that there is a rapid decrease in the efficiency of lead extraction with time.
Figure 4 shows the kinetic efficiency of zinc extraction on leaching a mixture of composite lead-zinc sulfide minerai employing a leachant consisting of a mixture of sodium hydroxide and sodium hypochlorite. In direct contrast to lead extraction efficiency, the effect of variable concentrations of sodium hypochlorite at various sodium hydroxide concentrations clearly indicates a rapid and a highly efficient recovery of zinc extraction with time.
Although the présent invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that modifications and variations may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as those skilled in the art readily understand. Such modifications and variations are consîdered to be within the purview and scope of the invention and the appended daims.
Claims (10)
- WE CLAIM:1. A process for sélective leaching of zinc from mixtures and ores containing zinc sulphide, comprising:a. contacting the mixture or ore with an aqueous leachant comprising: 1) an oxidant selected to oxidize the sulphur présent only to elemental sulphur, and 2) alkali métal hydroxide in amounts sufficient to form soluble alkali métal zincate;b. extending the contact time between leachant and solids to give the desired zinc recovery and selectivity in the leachate while maintaining operative reagent concentrations;c. separating the desired leachate from the residual solids; andd. recovering zinc from the leachate.
- 2. The process of claim 1, wherein the oxidant is selected from the group consisting of an oxygen-containing gas, a water-solubîe peroxide, a water-soluble perchlorate and a water-soluble hypochlorite.
- 3. The process of claim 2. wherein the oxidant is a hypochlorite in a concentration sufficient to oxidize ail of the sulphides présent.
- 4. The process of claim 1, wherein the leachant contains sodium hypochlorite and sodium hydroxide.
- 5. The process of claim 1, wherein the starting solids also contain lead sulphide, and the resulting leachate is substantially free of lead after an extended contact time.
- 6. The process of claim 1, wherein the desired oxidation potential of the leachant for steps a) and b) is maintained by reagent addition.
- 7. The process of claim 1, wherein the desired alkali métal hydroxide content of the leachant is maintained throughout the leaching steps a) and b).
- 8. The process of claim 1, wherein the contact time in steps a) and b) is extended for up to about 24 hours to attain desired recovery and selectivity.
- 9. The process of claim 1, in which zinc in step d) is recovered by précipitation as zinc carbonate.
- 10. An aqueous leachant composition selected to solubilize zinc selectively from zinc sulphidecontaining sulphidic minerais and mixtures, comprising:1. an oxidant selected to oxidize the sulphur from the sulphides only to the elemental sulphur stage; and5 2. an alkali métal hydroxide selected to form soluble alkali meta! zincates from zinc sulphide oxidation products.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US61/404,244 | 2010-09-30 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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OA16393A true OA16393A (en) | 2015-10-07 |
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