Iron removal technology from zinc hydrometallurgical process: a review

This review systematically examines and critically compares mainstream iron removal technologies in zinc hydrometallurgy – neutralisation hydrolysis, jarosite, goethite, and hematite processes – highlighting their operational conditions, advantages, and limitations. Notably, it positions the hematite process as a sustainable pathway due to its generation of a stable, marketable iron product, despite its high operational costs. Beyond evaluating existing methods, this work identifies a significant research gap in the 100–180°C temperature range, where iron precipitation behaviour remains underexplored. It proposes the development of novel iron removal technologies within this interval as a promising direction for achieving efficient, low-residue, and environmentally friendly zinc-iron separation. Thus, the study not only consolidates current industrial practices but also provides a forward-looking perspective aimed at advancing cleaner and more sustainable zinc production through integrated process optimisation and low-temperature hematite precipitation.