Which metals are suitable for slurry electrolysis technology to extract?

Slurry electrolysis technology is an advanced hydrometallurgical method that combines ore leaching, solution purification and electrolytic deposition in one device. It has the advantages of short process, low energy consumption, high metal separation efficiency and good environmental performance. Anyutian can provide a full set of slurry electrolysis solutions and equipment. Slurry electrolysis technology leaches metals from ores through the anodic oxidation reaction of electrolytic deposition without the need for external energy, and is particularly suitable for treating complex polymetallic sulfide ores. The following are the main metals suitable for refining using slurry electrolysis technology and their application background:

1. Copper (Cu)

Applicable minerals: copper sulfides such as chalcopyrite (CuFeS₂) and chalcocite (Cu₂S).

Technical features:

Chloride systems (such as NaCl solution) are commonly used electrolytes that can effectively dissolve copper ions and form complexes (such as CuCl₃²⁻, CuCl₄³⁻).

Anodic oxidation reaction (such as CuFeS₂ → Cu²⁺ + Fe²⁺ + S) is combined with electrochemical leaching to achieve efficient extraction of copper.

Application case: Dextec copper smelting method has been industrialized, and the copper recovery rate is significant.

2. Lead (Pb)

Applicable minerals: galena (PbS).

Technical features:

Slurry electrolysis technology has been industrialized, with a lead leaching rate of 98%-99% and a cell voltage as low as 1.84-1.98V.

Cathode current efficiency is 76-85%, and the DC power consumption per ton of lead is only 600-630kWh.

Application case: Hunan Shizhuyuan Bismuth Smelter uses slurry electrolysis technology to produce metallic bismuth and recover lead at the same time.

3. Zinc (Zn)

Applicable minerals: sphalerite (ZnS).

Technical features:

Slurry electrolysis technology can be used to treat zinc in complex polymetallic ores, and to separate zinc from other metals through selective leaching.

Application background: In the treatment of complex polymetallic sulfide ores, zinc often coexists with metals such as copper and lead, and slurry electrolysis technology can achieve comprehensive recovery.

4. Bismuth (Bi)

Applicable minerals: bismuthinite (Bi₂S₃), bismuth ore.

Technical features:

Slurry electrolysis technology has achieved industrial production. For example, the Shizhuyuan Bismuth Smelter uses 6 continuous slurry electrolysis cells, with an annual output of 200 tons of high-quality metallic bismuth.

The leaching rate and recovery rate of bismuth are both high, and the process flow is short and the energy consumption is low.

5. Gold (Au) and Silver (Ag)

Applicable minerals: complex polymetallic ores containing gold and silver (such as lead-copper-gold ores, silver concentrates).

Technical features:

Slurry electrolysis technology can achieve efficient extraction of gold and silver, such as the complex gold mine project containing lead and copper in Yuanyang, Yunnan.

By optimizing the electrolyte composition and electrolysis parameters, the solubility and electrolysis efficiency of gold and silver can be improved.

Application case: The complex silver mine slurry electrolysis plant has been put into production, with a gold recovery rate of 99.3% and a silver recovery rate of 96.3%.

6. Manganese (Mn)

Applicable minerals: manganese oxide ore.

Technical features:

Slurry electrolysis technology can be used to produce MnO₂, and selective deposition of manganese can be achieved by controlling electrolysis conditions.

Application background: In the comprehensive utilization of manganese resources, slurry electrolysis technology can replace traditional high-energy consumption processes.

7. Other metals

Nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe): Suitable for the recovery of waste copper materials and sulfide ores, and efficient separation and purification of metals can be achieved through slurry electrolysis technology.

Antimony (Sb), tellurium (Te), etc.: In the treatment of complex polymetallic ores, slurry electrolysis technology can achieve comprehensive recovery of multiple metals.

Technical advantages and limitations

Advantages:

Short process: leaching, purification, and electrolysis are integrated to reduce equipment investment and operating costs.

Low energy consumption: electrolytic anode reaction is used to replace traditional leaching oxidants, and the cell voltage is reduced.

High metal separation efficiency: By controlling the redox potential and the slurry medium, the selective extraction of various metals can be achieved.

Good environmental protection: sulfide oxidation generates elemental sulfur (S), reducing sulfuric acid emissions.

Limitations:

Equipment corrosion: The chloride system has high requirements for equipment materials.

Technical difficulty: electrolyte management, current efficiency optimization, etc. need further research.

Summary

Slurry electrolysis technology is suitable for the refining of various metals such as copper, lead, zinc, bismuth, gold, silver, and manganese, especially in the treatment of complex multi-metallic sulfide ores. With technological progress and equipment optimization, the application prospects of this technology in the fields of medium and low-grade ore utilization, refractory metallurgical ore pretreatment, and environmental protection will be broader. Anyutian has mature slurry electrolysis technology. If you have any questions, please contact WhatsApp: +86 18615381239