Simultaneous electrodissolution and electrowinning of metals from simple sulphides

摘要

A process for simultaneous electrodissolution and electrowinning of metals from simple sulphide minerals comprises establishing a cell having (i) an anode compartment or compartments containing a suspension of particulate sulphide mineral, the metal content of which is being selectively liberated by an oxidizing environment attributable to the anode; (ii) a cathode compartment or compartments in which the liberated metal values are electrolytically recovered; (iii) one or more ion permeable membranes, impermeable to the particulate solids in the suspension, separating the anode and cathode compartments; (iv) An electrolyte containing anions of soluble salt(s) of the said liberated metal or metals in both anode and cathode compartments; introducing direct electric current into the cell, and recovering metal values from the cathode.