Study on bioleaching behavior of sphalerite from lead concentrate in agitator tank

Abstract

Sphalerite which is highly continuous with galena cannot be effectively separated by flotation, the extraction of zinc from sphalerite in bioleaching process has become an alternative method. By testing the initial iron concentration, pulp density, grinding fineness and other parameters as well as monitoring pH, potential and dissolved oxygen, the zinc content of the lead concentrate decreased from 8.41% to less than 1% after bioleaching in 8L agitator tank. The initial concentration of ferric is the most significant factor affecting the zinc extraction efficiency of sphalerite, and when the concentration of ferric ions reaches 9g/L, acceptable leaching yield can be achieved.