METHOD OF PROCESSING SULFIDE PRODUCTS OF NON-FERROUS METALS CONTAINING COPPER AND NICKEL

摘要

FIELD: hydrometallurgical production, namely upon bacterial leaching by culture "Thiobacillus ferrooxidans" of sulfide products containing non-ferrous and noble metals. SUBSTANCE: method of processing sulfide products of non-ferrous metals containing copper and nickel by their bacterial leaching with use of culture "Thiobacillus ferrooxidans" comprises two stages realized with aeration and agitation. First stage is being performed at relation of solid and liquid phases 1:(5-6) and with separation from suspension had been received heavy thickened fraction having ratio of solid and liquid phases 1: (2-4) after first stage. That fraction is being returned to first stage and remaining light clarified fraction is being fed to second stage to be carried out until complete oxidation of dissolved bivalent ferrum and lowering pH up to 1.4-1.6. Then deposit is being separated from solution to be fed for separation of sulfur. Solution including copper and nickel is being divided by two flows at relation inversely proportional to metal content in it. A large part of that flow is being returned to first stage of leaching and other second part is being fed for separation of copper and nickel as merchant products. EFFECT: enhanced efficiency of manufacturing process due to increased rate of metal transition to solution upon processing copper-nickel pyrrhotin concentrates and due to using completely closed cycle of process without harmful drains and gaseous bursts.