Abstract
The oxidation reactivity of arsenopyrite FeAsS in dilute acid determines the recovery of gold from arsenopyritic gold ores by slurry electrolysis. Stoichiometric,sulfur- and arsenic- deficient arsenopyrite have practically the same oxidation rate. Arsenopyrite is covered with a metal deficient sulfide layer which appears to determine the restpotential of the electrode. This layer can be separately oxidized and reduced during bulk-oxidation of arsenopyrite. Arsenopyrite oxidation is accelerated by dissolved Na2SO4 and by high electrode potentials and solution acidity. The rate is controlled by a surface reaction with an apparent activation energy of 33kJmol−1.
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Fernandez, P.G., Linge, H.G. & Wadsley, M.W. Oxidation of arsenopyrite (FeAsS) in acid Part I: Reactivity of arsenopyrite. J Appl Electrochem 26, 575–583 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00253455
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00253455