Process for the recovery of non-ferrous metals from sulphide ores and concentrates
US4619814A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 7, 1983 |
| Grant date | Oct 28, 1986 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 7, 2003 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S423/16
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
This invention relates to the development of a viable metallurgical process capable of treating low grade concentrates, bulk concentrates, dirty concentrates, or ore directly for the recovery of non-ferrous metals such as zinc, lead, copper, and precious metals and accordingly is significant to the development of massive fine grained sulphide ore bodies found throughout the world. The process involves the consecutive steps of sulphatizing roasting in a fluidized bed reactor, a two stage leach, metal recovery from solution by conventional processes such as electrowinning and precipitation, and recycling of residue wash waters and leach liquors containing high concentrations of iron and minor impurity elements to the roaster or a spray dryer for thermal decomposition. Simple and efficient rejection of iron from the circuit to residue as stable hematite is the net result of the recirculation and thermal decomposition. Recoveries of zinc and copper of greater than 90% for low grade ore and over 95% for concentrates have been obtained in pilot plant testing. Recoveries of lead, silver, gold of 98%, 90%, and 79% respectively are achievable.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.