Opening of molybdenite ores and the electrowinning of rhenium

摘要

Disclosed is a method of separating molybdenum and rhenium contained in molybdenite bearing ores. The method involves contacting the ore with a solution of ammonium or a stable alkali metal or alkaline earth metal persulfate for a period of time sufficient to solubilize the molybdenum. The inability of the persulfate solution to solubilize the rhenium renders the process suitable for selective leaching of molybdenum with subsequent recovery of undissolved rhenium.