Copper and zinc extraction from underspoil waters using sulfur solution in sodium hydroxide

During the passage of atmospheric precipitates through porous dump body, products oxidation sulfide minerals are dissolved. As a result, underspoil waters with low pH values and significant amount dissolved metals formed. For most part, all types sewage produced by mining processing enterprises (underspoil, colliery, pit, drainage) combined before treatment, which leads to formation common water yield complex chemical composition. According existing practice, flow is neutralized lime milk, irretrievable losses non-ferrous mud after neutralization. The use sulfiding method as part tactics locally autonomous makes it possible obtain copper zinc commercial suitable for further metallurgical processing. Previously, sulphides biogenic or nature, well hydrogen sulphide, have been used in extraction form sulphides. In this study, we sulfur solution sodium hydroxide mass ratio NaOH:S = 1:1 an alternative old reagents. consumption were determined. impact on shown. pilot-scale tests confirmed results laboratory studies. Proposed chart following main operations: extraction, product conditioning. Copper concentrate content 32.9% 48% obtained. resulting deposits, covellite (CuS), sphalerite (ZnS). Through metal was 99.9% 99.5% zinc.