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Oxidation of Gold-Bearing Pyrite by Ammonium Persulfate

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Abstract

Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are widely used in water treatment. Thus, we applied an FeSO4–S2O82− system to the oxidation pretreatment of Carlin-type primary gold ore. Based on this research, we have continued to explore the initiator (nZVI/FeO/FeSO4) in the ammonium persulfate (APS) system. In this study, when the concentration of nano-zero-valent iron (nZVI) was 0.0895 mol/L, the APS concentration was 0.088 mol/L, and the leaching time was 1 h, the oxidation of pyrite reached 92.69%. A quantitative analysis method was established for intermediate SO4−·, and it was determined that the concentration of SO4−· during the oxidation of pyrite in the nZVI-APS system rapidly increased to 7.533 mmol/L within 7 min, was maintained above 6.5 mmol/L for 7 to 15 min, and then rapidly decreased to 0 mmol/L. Within a certain period of time, the stable concentration of SO4−· ensured a rapid increase in the pyrite oxidation rate. The analysis of the oxidized leaching residue shows that the surface of the pyrite in the nZVI(FeO)-APS system had a large specific surface area and a fine particle structure of iron hydroxide oxide (FeOOH), the leaching residue formed depressions and cracks, and the surface area of the pyrite increased, which was conducive to the subsequent contact between leachant and gold. In conclusion, the nZVI(FeO)-APS system can effectively and rapidly oxidize pyrite at room temperature and form a good pulp environment, thereby creating favorable conditions for the subsequent improvement of the gold leaching rate.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (51864010 and 41962008) and the Plan Project of Science and Technology of Guizhou Province of China (Qiankehe Foundation [2017]1404, [2020]1Z045 and Qiankehe Platform Talents [2018]5781).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mining College, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China

    Yun Tang, Guohui Li, Yong Yang, Jian Ma, Yongxiang Zhi, Yuyun Yao, Lulin Zheng & Biyang Tuo

  2. Guizhou Key Laboratory of Comprehensive Utilization of Nonmetallic Mineral Resources, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China

    Yun Tang, Yong Yang & Biyang Tuo

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  1. Yun Tang
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  2. Guohui Li
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  3. Yong Yang
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Correspondence to Yun Tang.

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The contributing editor for this article was Zhi Sun.

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Tang, Y., Li, G., Yang, Y. et al. Oxidation of Gold-Bearing Pyrite by Ammonium Persulfate. J. Sustain. Metall. 7, 1280–1292 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40831-021-00416-5

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