Research on Chloride Leaching of Cu, Zn and Ag from Flotation Tailings

摘要

Mineralogical examinations of Asheler copper mine flotation tailings have been carried out. Results show that the major metal sulphide minerals are pyrite and the main gangue constituents are quartz, chlorite-serpentine and muscovite. The main valuable metals are Cu, Zn and Ag. Basic mineral compositions of copper and zinc have been identified through chemical phase analysis. On the basis of mineralogical examinations, leaching test has been carried out in about 240g/l NaCl solution. The optimum conditions for leaching are found as follows: temperature at 86°C, pulp concentration is 24.19%wt, [Cu~(2+)] =19.22g/l, [HCl]_(initial) =0.17mol/L. Under these conditions, chloride leaching can extract 83.35%Cu, 92.10%Zn, and 85.26%Ag after 8 hours leaching.