Production of Al(HI)-K(I)-Ti(IV)-sulphate-containing leach liquor from metakaolinite-containing ash derived from South African coal fines

South African discard coal fines and K2CO3 blends were heated in a laboratory-scale rotary kiln to produce ashes for H2SO4 leaching tests. The optimized conditions of 6.12 mol.dm3 (M) H2SO4, solid liquid ratios 1:5 1:10, 8o°C 8 hours used. was added increase the dissolution efficiency K. objective determine if Al present metakaolinite (Al2O3.2SiO2), Al, K, Ti alumino-silicate glasses, rutile (TiO2) could be selectively dissolved H2SO4. XRF results show that formed at 700°C more efficiently (87% 89% K 23% Ti) compared 1050°C. This can attributed presence Al2O3.2SiO2, melt, remnants, KAl(SO4)2, K-aluminosilicate glass these ashes. XRD indicate prepared 1050°C contained anorthite (CaAl^Og), microcline (KAlSi3O8), pseudomullite (Al2.SiO2), silicon spinel (2Al2O3.3SiO2), which are either insoluble or only sparingly soluble These minerals resulted lower efficiencies Based on high produced 700°C, blended with possibly utilized as feedstocks production aluminium(III), potassium(I), titanium(IV) sulphate-containing leach liquor. Furthermore, environmental issues costs associated handling disposal large volumes will also resolved.