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Abstract

The invention provides a process for extracting zinc from a sulphur- and zinc-containing ore which involves (a) leaching the sulphur ore or concentrate with an aqueous solution of cupric chloride, which can be regenerated by means of a regenerating agent and air; (b) subjecting the solution thus obtained to liquid-liquid extraction by means of an organic phase, preferably containing a solvent, comprising an acid organophosphorus compound; and (c) recovering the zinc contained in the said organic phase after the said extraction, preferably by elution. If justified by the composition of the ore, the following optional recovery steps may then be performed: (1) if lead is present, recovery of lead by cementation (i.e., precipitation) or by crystallization of lead dichloride followed by cementation of the crystallizate; (2) if copper is present, recovery of copper by cementation or by liquid-liquid extraction; and (3) if precious metals, e.g., silver, are present, recovery of the precious metals by cementation or by selective electrolysis.

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First Claim