Insitu activation leaching and exsitu activation-pressure leaching of zircon in acid and alkaline solutions (OLP-0095)

Abstract

Objectives The objective of this study was to explore both insitu activation - leaching in a continuous attrition mill and exsitu activation - pressure leaching of zircon in acid and alkaline solutions to develop an energy efficient low temperature process for the extraction of ZrO2. This is a sequel to an earlier project undertaken on the effect of mechanical activation on the acid and alkali dissolution kinetics of zircon. The main activities projected in this project were: • Study combined activation – alkali leaching (NaOH) of zircon in attrition mill as a function of activation time, alkali concentration and temperature. • Study the effect of mechanical activation on the alkali dissolution kinetics of zircon at elevated pressures as a function of time of activation, temperature and time of leaching. • Effect of mechanical activation on the sulfuric acid dissolution kinetics of zircon at elevated pressures as a function of time of activation, temperature and time of leaching. • Evolve a flow-sheet for the low temperature extraction of ZrO2 from zircon (ZrSiO3).