In this study, a method for preparing pure manganese sulfate from low-grade ores with a granule mean size of 0.47 mm by direct acid leaching was developed. The effects of the types of leaching agents, sulfuric acid concentration, reaction temperature, and agitation rate on the leaching efficiency of manganese were investigated. We observed that sulfuric acid used as a leaching agent provides a similar leaching efficiency of manganese and superior selectivity against calcium compared to hydrochloric acid. The optimal leaching conditions in sulfuric acid media were determined; under the optimal conditions, the leaching efficiencies of Mn and Ca were 92.42% and 9.61%, respectively. Moreover, the kinetics of manganese leaching indicated that the leaching follows the diffusion-controlled model with an apparent activation energy of 12.28 k J·mol^(-1). The purification conditions of the leaching solution were also discussed. The results show that manganese dioxide is a suitable oxidant of ferrous ions and sodium dimethyldithiocarbamate is an effective precipitant of heavy metals. Finally, through chemical analysis and X-ray diffraction analysis, the obtained product was determined to contain 98% of MnSO_4·H_2O.
Qing-quan LinGuo-hua GuHui WangRen-feng ZhuYou-cai LiuJian-gang Fu
Chalcopyrite dissolution was evaluated by bioleaching and electrochemical experiments with thermophile A. manzaensis(Acidianus manzaensis) and mesophile L. ferriphilum(Leptospirillum ferriphium) cultures at 65 °C and 40 °C, respectively. It was investigated that the bioleaching of chalcopyrite was stepwise. It was reduced to Cu2 S at a lower redox potential locating in the whole bioleaching process by A. manzaensis at high temperature while only at initial days of bioleaching by L. ferriphilum at a relative low temperature. No reduced product was detected when the redox potential was beyond a high level(e.g., 550 m V(vs SCE)) bioleached by L. ferriphilum. Chalcopyrite bioleaching efficiency was substantially improved bioleached by A. manaensis compared to that by L. ferriphilum, which was mainly attributed to the reduction reaction occurring during bioleaching. The reductive intermediate Cu2 S was more amenable to oxidation than chalcopyrite, causing enhanced copper extraction.
The flotation mechanisms of molybdenite fines by neutral oils were investigated through microflotation test, turbidity measurements, infrared spectroscopy, and interfacial interaction calculations. The results of the flotation test show that at pH 2-11, the floatability of molybdenite fines in the presence of transformer oil is markedly better than that in the presence of kerosene and diesel oil. The addition of transformer oil, which enhances the floatability of molybdenite fines, promotes the aggregation of molybdenite particles. Fourier transform infrared measurements illustrate that physical interaction dominates the adsorption mechanism of neutral oil on molybdenite. Interfacial interaction calculations indicate that hydrophobic attraction is the crucial force that acts among the oil collector, water, and molybdenite. Strong hydrophobic attraction between the oily collector and water provides the strong dispersion capability of the collector in water. Furthermore, the dispersion capability of the collector, not the interaction strength between the oily collectors and molybdenite, has a highly significant role in the flotation system of molybdenite fines. Our findings provide insights into the mechanism of molybdenite flotation.
Qing-quan LinGuo-hua GuHui WangYou-cai LiuJian-gang FuChong-qing Wang