Improvement of mechanochemical leaching of zinc oxide ore — Optimization of grinding parameters for basket grinder

• Published in: Journal of cleaner production 2024-09, Vol.469, p.143132, Article 143132
• Main Authors: Yu, Yusen, Cui, Lixue, Zhang, Libo, Wang, Yunfan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Basket grinder; Grinding parameter; Mechanochemical leaching; Zinc leaching
• ISSN: 0959-6526; 1879-1786
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2024.143132

The mechanochemical leaching (MCL) process presents promising potential for efficiently extracting zinc from zinc oxide ores. This study analyzed the effects of several grinding parameters, including the agitator type, grinding ball size and material, grinding ball addition, and stirring speed, on the zinc leaching. Among them, the agitator type affects the flow form and mass transfer rate of the solution, the grinding ball size and material affects the crushing effect of the mineral powder, the grinding ball addition affects the state of motion of the grinding ball, and the stirring speed affects the grinding effect of the grinding ball on the mineral powder, which in turn affects the extraction of zinc. Experimental results show that optimization of these grinding parameters results in higher zinc leaching rates at lower energy costs. Under optimal conditions, the zinc leaching rate can reach 86.02% through the optimized MCL process, which is 9.38% higher than the conventional leaching process. Analysis techniques, such as XRD, particle size analysis, SEM-EDS, and EPMA, were utilized to examine leaching residues. The leaching mechanism of MCL process is derived under mechanical activation to destroy the insoluble product layer of zinc oxide ores (such as gangue), expose the zinc containing components, change the physical and chemical properties (such as mineral structure, particle size, and specific surface area), and enhance the reactivity of zinc oxide ore, and enhancing zinc leaching. The optimized MCL process offers the benefits of a straightforward process, reduced energy consumption, and eco-friendliness. This process has vast potential in the development and utilization of low-grade refractory zinc oxide ores in the Lanping area. [Display omitted] •Enhancement of alkaline leaching process of zinc oxide ore by mechanical activation.•Using a basket grinder as a device for mechanochemical leaching.•Optimize the grinding parameters of the basket grinder.•MCL process can effectively extract zinc under low energy consumption.•The enhanced leaching mechanism of MCL process was studied.