This process is done in an acid medium with the aim of obtaining a solution with the zinc present in the starting material.
The solvent extraction stage purifies and concentrates the zinc solution acting as a barrier to impurities towards the subsequent stages of the technology.
Electrolysis: The the electrolysis circuit has the aim of electrophoretically depositing highly pure metallic zinc sheets (SHG quality) by reducing the zinc dissolved in the charged electrolyte, achieved by applying an electric current.
The key to ZINCEX®'s success lies in its ability to treat zinc-loaded solutions across a wide range, from 1 g/l to 160 g/l of zinc, making it ideal for combination in multiple projects and applications. Additionally, it can produce an electrolyte of the highest purity by setting insurmountable barriers not only to typical impurities such as nickel, cobalt, cadmium, etc., but also to other elements like calcium, magnesium, manganese, chlorine, and fluorine, which have a detrimental effect on zinc electrolysis.
The following figure compares the behavior of the main impurities in the ZINCEX® process and in the RLE (Roasting Leaching Electrowinning) technology:
NOTE: The dotted lines indicate ppm or ppb.
NOTE: The dotted lines indicate ppm or ppb.
KEY PROCESS REFERENCES
Rosh Pinah – Namibia
Vedanta
150.000 t/yr
Oxidised zinc ores
Greenfield
Akita – Japan
Dowa
20.000 t/yr
Waelz oxides
Brownfield
Sardinia – Italy
Glencore
52.500 t/yr
Waelz oxides
Brownfield
Mooresboro – EEUU
American Zinc Recycling
135.000 t/yr
Secondary zinc oxides such as Waelz Oxide and Skimmings.
Greenfield
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