Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A hydrometallurgical process for converting zinc sulfide in an ore containing zinc sulfide, said zinc sulfide being chemically converted at elevated temperatures to ZnSO.sub.4.xH.sub.2 O which crystallizes substantially in the monohydrate formas ZnSO.sub.4.H.sub.2 O in a conversion solution having a high concentration of H.sub.2 S.sub.4. The process comprises: i) contacting the zinc sulfide of the ore with the conversion solution which comprises a concentration of sulfuric acid selected from the range of about 45% by weight up to about 70% by weight of the conversion solution and at the elevated temperature in the range of 90.degree. C. to less than boiling point of the conversion solution for the selected concentration of sulfuric acid; ii) maintaining the conversion solution at the elevated temperature and at the range of concentration of the sulfuric acid to ensure continued formation of the crystals of ZnSO.sub.4.H.sub.2 O until substantially all available ZnS is chemically converted; and iii) separating the ZnSO.sub.4.H.sub.2 O crystals and remaining solids of the ore from the conversion solution.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim