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Improved leaching technologies in the electrolytic zinc industry

  • Hydrometallurgy
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Abstract

The development of the Jarosite and Goethite Processes has made it possible to remove high concentrations of iron from metal sulfate solutions in readily separated crystalline forms. This has allowed the economical recovery of zinc from raw materials containing iron, and especially from zinc ferrite commonly formed in the roasting of zinc concentrates. The processes have proved to be readily adaptable to meet the particular needs of the various leaching procedures that were in use in previously existing zinc plants. The processes have also made it possible to design new zinc plants that give enhanced economic return from elegantly simple process designs. The process designs that have been adopted for various electrolytic zinc plants are described, and indicate the versatility of these new processes.

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Gordon, A.R., Pickering, R.W. Improved leaching technologies in the electrolytic zinc industry. Metall Trans B 6, 43–53 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02825677

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