Selective recovery of zinc in leachate from a composite sulfide ore deposit, castings, crushed ore or mine sludge

摘要

Process for the selective leaching of zinc from mixtures and ores containing zinc sulphide, comprising: a) contacting the mixture or ore with an aqueous leach comprising: 1) an oxidizer selected to oxidize the sulfur present only 5 elemental sulfur and 2) an alkali metal hydroxide in an amount sufficient to form a soluble alkali metal cincate; b) extend the contact time between the leach and solids to provide the desired zinc recovery and selectivity in the leach while maintaining the reagent operating concentrations; c) separating the desired leachate from the residual solids; and d) recover zinc from the leachate.