Gustav Hanke

Abstract:

Metallurgical treatment of ore concentrates produces high amounts of different by-products. These materials often contain high grades of different metals, but are dumped in many cases as there is actually no method of an economical treatment available. For developing, or adapting a proper process, detailed knowledge of the materials characteristics is needed. The chemical composition is relatively easy to determine using standard analytical methods but can only be seen as a first, very general step. Mineralogical characterization is of prime importance to identify and quantify phases carrying the metals of interest as well as valueless phases. The final aim is to develop a characterization procedure which defines the appropriate analytical methods for specific materials. Actually precipitation- and leach-residues from hydrometallurgical zinc production (jarosite) are in the focus of research at University of Leoben. The material contains different valuables such as zinc, lead, copper and silver. Various methods (XRF, ICP-MS, etc.) have been used for chemical analysis as well as XRD for identification of major phases. Scanning electron microscopy is the tool of choice for identifying minor phases and chemical analysis of single grains. So far, the value of the material has been proven. Further work will focus on quantification of already accomplished results.