METHOD OF PROCESSING SULPHIDE MINERALS AND CONCENTRATES Russian patent published in 2008 - IPC C22B3/06 

FIELD: metallurgy.

SUBSTANCE: invention refers to hydro metallurgical process and can be used for extraction of non-ferrous, rare and noble metals out of sulphide minerals and concentrates. The method includes oxidation of the primary raw material in the form of pulp with use of oxidising agents, containing nitrogen oxides; it also includes regeneration of lower nitrogen oxides to higher ones by oxidation. Pulp is subject to oxidation under the condition of controlled acidity with constant neutralisation of created as the result of sulphides oxidation sulphur acid to such level of acidity when formation of elemental sulphur is eliminated; as neutralisers, natural or artificial substances are used chosen from CaCO_3, MgCO_3, Ca(OH)_2, CaO, NaOH, CaHPO₄ depending on the necessity of producing products with specified physic and chemical properties such as: filterability, condensability, insolubility of arsenic, and nontoxicity. Oxidation is carried out at mixing which facilitates an adequate mass transfer and effective behavior of chemical reactions within a temperature range of 20-90°C, predominantly in the interval of 65-85°.

EFFECT: creating conditions for most complete extraction of metals excluding formation of elemental sulphur.

9 cl, 3 dwg