PRESSURE LEACHING PROCESS FOR ZINC

摘要

A process for the recovery of zinc from a zinc sulphate ore or concentrate comprises the steps of subjecting the concentrate to pressure leaching with an acidic solution containing at least about 15 g/l iron in solution to produce a zinc solution and a solid leach residue containing iron. The zinc solution is subjected to zinc solvent extraction to produce a raffinate and a pregnant zinc solution. A method of removing ion from an iron bearing raffinate is also provided which comprises pressure leaching a zinc sulphate ore with the iron bearing raffinate to produce a solid leach residue containing iron and a zinc solution.