Chemical-technological processing of the complex barite-sulphide ore

Abstract

The investigation results of the processing possibilities of the complex barite-sulphide ore from "Bobija" deposit (Serbia) for the sake of lead, zinc and copper extraction are presented in this paper. Through x-ray diffraction and microscopic examination it is concluded that: (a) it is not possible to enrich the ore for obtaining any selective or a collective sulphide concentrate using the conventional methods of mineral processing, and (b) it is necessary to include chemical and technological procedures for ore processing. Examination of reduction roasting with carbon addition for the barite (BaSO4) reduction into good soluble BaS is performed. After water leaching of BaS from the calcined ore, the solid residual is submitted to the magnetic separation procedure for the pyrrhotite (Fex-1Sx) separation, which is formed after pyrite (FeS2) dissociation, and for obtaining a collective sulphide concentrate Pb-Zn-Cu. Finally, the sulphide concentrate is leached with the solution of H2SO4 in the presence of oxygen at elevated temperatures and pressures in an autoclave. Through their sulphide oxidation zinc, copper and iron were dissolved, while lead sulphide remained as insoluble in the solid residual after leaching. The influence of the working parameters on the degree of leaching of zinc, copper and iron is examined.