Investigation of zinc leaching from clinker with pretreatment of raw materials by ultrahigh frequency radiation (microwave)

The processing of zinc-containing man-made raw materials is an important task from the point of view of rational use of natural resources and reducing the environmental burden. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in efficient methods of processing such materials, since zinc is an important metal for industry. The leaching of zinc from raw materials with a solution of sulfuric acid is a key step in the hydrometallurgical production of zinc. Optimizing this process is crucial to increase the efficiency of its extraction, reduce costs, and minimize negative environmental impacts. We have investigated the process of leaching zinc from man-made raw materials with a solution of sulfuric acid, with pretreatment of raw materials with microwave radiation. Optimal leaching parameters have been determined. Clinker, a residual product of zinc ore calcination, was used as the starting material. The zinc content in clinker is 1.25%. It is shown that high zinc recovery is achieved after preliminary exposure to microwave radiation at a temperature of 600 °C. The effect of solvent concentration, the ratio of solid and liquid phases, and temperature on the degree of zinc extraction has been studied.