Antimony and Bismuth Recovery from an Acidic Chloride Eluate of a Copper Electrolyte Purification Plant with an Arsenic Sequestration

Antimony (Sb), bismuth (Bi), and arsenic (As) are common contaminants of copper (Cu) electrolyte and anodes, necessitating strict control of their concentrations. The purification of Cu electrolytes is required and demands the application of appropriate techniques. This paper presents the methodology of selective precipitation, applied for Sb, Bi, and As recovery from the acidic eluate of a Cu electrolyte purification plant. An important aspect was the change in solution type from chloride to sulfate, prior to arsenic sequestration. A facile precipitation method, preceded by a reduction in As(V) and Sb(V), was applied. The primary objectives are focused on the preparation of three distinct concentrates: antimony oxychloride, bismuth oxychloride, and iron(III) arsenate(V), emphasizing optimal recovery and purity. The processes were performed in a specially designed, cascade-lined pilot scale installation, with a daily capacity of approximately 2.5 m3. In total, 22 m3 of eluate was processed, yielding 191 kg of Sb concentrate, 97 kg of Bi concentrate, and 163 kg of scorodite. The recovery of Sb was as high as 98%, with antimony content up to 50% in the concentrate. The recovery of bismuth varied from 60 to 99%, depending on the process parameters. The elimination of arsenic from the eluate was close to 100%.