METHOD OF HYDROMETALLURGICAL ZINC SULFIDE-INTO-ZINC SULFATE CONVERSION FROM ZINC SULFIDE-CONTAINING ORES AND CONCENTRATES Russian patent published in 1999 - IPC

FIELD: hydrometallurgy. SUBSTANCE: ore containing zinc and copper sulfides is brought into contact with conversion solution wherein concentration of sulfuric acid ranges from about 45 to about 70 wt % at temperature between 90 C and temperature below boiling point of conversion solution. Conditions are provided for continuous formation of hydrogen sulfide in amount high enough to prevent copper sulfide oxidation. These conditions are maintained until all zinc sulfide available is chemically converted, after which precipitated ZnSO₄•H₂O crystals and remaining ore solids are separated from conversion solution. EFFECT: reduced number of operations and reduced expenses. 8 cl, 1 dwg, 2 tbl