Volatilization of Arsenic and Antimony from Tennantite/Tetrahedrite Ore by a Roasting Process

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Abstract

<p>The volatilization of arsenic (As) and antimony (Sb) impurities in a copper ore consisting of tennantite (Cu12As4S13)/tetrahedrite (Cu12Sb4S13) by roasting in both nitrogen and air atmospheres was investigated in this study. The roasting experiments were performed at different temperatures ranging from 500 to 1200°C and different retention times from 15 to 60 minutes while the nitrogen and air flow to a furnace chamber was same as 300 ml/min.</p><p>The results showed that at 700°C, the maximum As volatilization in nitrogen and air atmospheres was reached over 90% and about 70%, respectively. Whereas the maximum Sb volatilization was about 90% at 1200°C in a nitrogen atmosphere and over 95% at 600°C in an air atmosphere. Meanwhile, copper and iron in the ore sample were not volatilized under the conditions. The contents of As, Sb and Cu in the residue obtained from roasting at 1200°C in a nitrogen atmosphere were 0.004 mass%, 0.75 mass% and 34.2 mass%, while their contents were 0.45 mass% As, 4.19 mass% Sb and 34.5 mass% Cu in the residue from roasting at 1000°C in an air atmosphere. Volatilization of arsenic from enargite, arsenic and antimony from tennantite/tetrahedrite sample containing chalcopyrite in a nitrogen atmosphere under the determined roasting condition were also discussed.</p><p>It suggests that As and Sb can be selectively separated from each other/other metals by volatilization. On the other hands, high grade copper concentrate with lower As and Sb contents can be made by volatilization in a nitrogen atmosphere.</p>

Journal

  • MATERIALS TRANSACTIONS

    MATERIALS TRANSACTIONS 59 (8), 1396-1403, 2018-08-01

    The Japan Institute of Metals and Materials

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