Recovery of precious and non-ferrous metals from the rebellious complex of mineral raw materials

Abstract

The results of comprehensive researches aimed to develop the advanced technology of rebellious refractory minerals and ore processing are given in this paper. Some ways in solving the most challenging technological problems associated with complex ores enrichment and hydrometallurgical processing to recover precious and non-ferrous metals, biochemical leaching inclusive, as well as recommendations on processing of leaching solutions aimed at valuable components recovery are proposed. Effects of reagent X on dissolving the non-ferrous and precious metals as well as the associated elements from refractory ore, concentrates and metallurgical production wastes are shown. Reagent X promotes metal leaching through a control of oxygen regime of leaching process. Reagent X, capable to form readily soluble metals hetero-complexes, plays a prominent part. Beneficial effects of reagent X on the mineral polarizing processes in alkali-cyanides media were found. Reagent X pretreatment enhances metals recovery into solution by 20-30 % depending on the process time. Process of Au, Cu, Zn etc., dissolving from rebellious gold-bearing raw materials was studied through the use of unique microorganisms strain; there are identified chemo-physical regularities of chemical leaching process, and the innovation technology of chemical leaching of gold-containing materials was developed.

Keywords

• precious metals
• non-ferrous metals
• refractory ores
• hydrometallurgy
• sorption