摘要 |
An energy efficient process is disclosed for the hydrometallurgical oxidation of sulfidic minerals containing copper, silver, nickel, cobalt, molybdenum, or zinc values. A high density slurry, e.g., 67% by weight solids, is prepared from a particulate sulfide mineral and water. Nitrogen dioxide and preferably also oxygen are added to the slurry to oxidize the sulfidic minerals and to produce solubilized cations and nitric oxide. The nitric oxide is oxidized to nitrogen dioxide, thereby regenerating the principal oxidant. If oxygen is added to the slurry along with NO2, then the regeneration occurs in-situ.
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