Hydrometallurgical Evaluation of Zinc Leach Plant Residue

Abstract

Continuous decrease of zinc metal production worldwide, which is among primary resources have resulted in zinc metal production from secondary resources. In this study effect of sulfating roasting conditions on metal solubility and extraction conditions of zinc was investigated. It is possible to produce the soluble metal salts and decompose the ferritic structure by roasting of leach residue containing 20.28 % Pb, 12.73 % Zn and 8.43 % Fe. About 90 % Zn was recovered after sulfating roasting followed by water leaching. The secondary leach residue was exposed to NaCl complex solution so that Pb dissolved and was obtained in the form of PbCl₂. At the optimal conditions, lead and silver efficiency was determined as 92 and 62.4 %, respectively. This study aims beneficiation of Çinkur plant leach residue, recovery of zinc, lead and silver and thereby extermination of potential environmental risks. Hydrometallurgical methods were adopted due to their less energy requirement and more eco-friendly nature. Besides, a plant flow chart was developed in the light of results of the selected methods.