Bioleaching Experiments on a Low-Grade Complex Zinc Ore from Inner Mongolia

摘要

When dealing with a low-grade complex zinc ore from Inner Mongolia, problems of low leaching extent, high energy consumption, low economic benefits and pollution were encountered. In this research, to treat this low-grade zinc ore economically and effectively, tank bioleaching was used. This approach produces reliable data for an environmentally friendly and efficient processing of the zinc ore. The results indicate that zinc occurs in the ore mainly as sphalerite, the latter also containing indium. The experimental results demonstrated an excellent leaching performance. A leaching extent of nearly 100% is achieved at a temperature of 45 °C, a pulp concentration of 10%, an initial pH of 1.8, and an aeration rate of 0.8m3/h. In the initial stage, the leaching rate is higher than at the end. It starts with 85% of zinc leaching extent in three days. The indium in the sphalerite is leached almost completely. This makes a further comprehensive use of such resources possible.