Abstract

In this study, the exraction of zinc from simitsonite (ZnCO₃) ore was investigated. The effect of various leaching parameters on the zinc dissolution was studied. Investigating leach parameters are leaching temperature (298-338K), leaching time (5-360min), sulphuric acid concentration (0.1-4M), particle size (-16, -200 mesh), liquid-solid ratio (5-100ml/g) and constant stirring speed (600rpm). According to experimental results, zinc dissolution increased with increasing of leaching temperature and it was exractated zinc 92.83% optimum conditions of 318K of leaching temperature. Under these conditions, iron dissolution was kept in minimum amount. In the leaching process with sulfuric acid, it is observed that zinc is extracted with high efficiency, but the lead remains in the form of sulphate.

Optimum conditions were obtained as; H₂SO₄ concentration of 1M, leaching time of 30min, leaching temperature of 318K, particle size of -74µm, liquid-solid ratio of 10ml/g and stirring speed of 600rpm. In this study zinc and iron extraction were obtained as 92.83% and 5.31% respectively.

Keywords: Zinc; Sulphuric acid; Leaching