Hydrogen Peroxide Ammonium Citrate Extraction: Mineral Decomposition and Preliminary Waste Rock Characterization

A commonly-used method in ore exploration is hydrogen peroxide ammonium citrate (HA) extraction, which has not typically been used waste rock characterization. In this study, the sulfide specificity and leaching of other minerals HA extraction was evaluated its performance compared with aqua regia (AR) for preliminary assessment harmful element mobility. Samples collected from several different mine sites Finland were utilized. The sample S contents ranged 0.3% to 5.3%, sums AR extractable elements As, Cd, Co, Cu, Ni Zn range 120 8040 mg/kg. drainage types acid high-metal neutral low-metal, pH’s 3.3–7.7. Mineralogical changes that took place solution investigated by field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) equipped an energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyzer (EDS) diffraction (XRD) methods. Results study showed appears be a more specific decomposition extraction. Sulfide minerals, especially base metal sulfides pentlandite, chalcopyrite sphalerite, decomposed efficiently However, Fe-sulfides pyrrhotite pyrite only incompletely. results can prediction Based on results, elevated Ni, leachability predict concentrations. If HA-extractable sum >750 mg/kg, there increased risk (>1000 µg/L) drainage. Therefore, data, e.g., produced during exploration, utilized screen risks related mobilities material.