Minerals Engineering, Vol.8, No.11, 1299-1308, 1995
APPLICATION OF ATTRITION GRINDING IN ALKALINE LEACHING OF TETRAHEDRITE
This paper is concerned with the leaching of calcined tetrahedrite in a combined mechanochemical and chemical regime. The application of alkaline Na2S solution enables us, at temperatures of 84-96 degrees C and atmospheric pressure, to achieve total extraction of Sb and As with leaching times of 15-20 min for Sb and 20-40 min for As. The applied liquid/solid ratio (4.8-2.5) and energy inputs (82-157 kWh/t) are acceptable from the view-point of plant operation. The process of mechanochemical leaching, including simultaneous intensive grinding and leaching, enhances the extraction of metals from refractory tetrahedrite.
Keywords:CONCENTRATE