In Zimapan, Mexico abundant mineral species have been identified. However, a significant number of these precious metals appear to be related to complex sulfides, as is the case of silver (Ag) in sulfosalts. In this work, a kinetic study of the formation of Ag complexes in the AgAsS2-S2O32−-O2-NaOH system from a Zn concentrate found in the Zimapan mining district was conducted. The kinetic model application on Ag leaching shows a linear adjustment in the valuation of the particle size effect. The rate of formation of Ag complexes is dependent of temperature, leaching agent concentration and OH− concentration. Furthermore, graphical verification of the kinetic models indicates that the kinetics of the formation of Ag complexes correspond to the shrinking core model with chemical controls as the controlling stage. The formation of Ag complexes was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.
