METHOD OF EXTRACTION OF ZINC Russian patent published in 2007 - IPC C22B3/00 C25C1/00 

FIELD: extraction of zinc from zinc ore by means of halogenide-based leaching-out solution; removal of manganese from halogenide solutions of zinc and other metals.

SUBSTANCE: extraction of metallic zinc from zinc mineral includes the following stages: leaching-out of zinc mineral with solution containing halogenide compound of two or more halogenides, electrolysis of solution for obtaining metallic zinc and generation of halogenide compound and return of electrolyzed solution containing halogenide compound to leaching-out stage. Part of electrolyzed solution may be removed in form of flow escaping from cathode section of electrolyte cell of electrolysis process and may be treated for removal of manganese in form of manganese dioxide by addition of limestone and halogenide compound from anode section of electrolysis process. In this case pH and Eh of solution may be controlled by method enhancing formation of sediment of manganese dioxide as compared with formation of zinc sediment. Proposed method is characterized by low operational and capital outlays as compared with well-known methods, extraction of noble metals from solutions, tolerance to low-grade and contaminated concentrates.

EFFECT: reduced power requirements; avoidance of emission of liquid and toxic gases; low temperature and atmospheric pressure in carrying-out operations.

20 cl, 4 dwg, 6 tbl, 9 ex