Separation of Heavy Metal Ions from the Solution Obtained by Leaching Low-Grade Pyrolusite with Pyrite and H2SO4

Abstract

The manganese sulfate solution leached from low-grade pyrolusite with pyrite and H2SO4 contains heavy metal ions of high concentration, influencing the quality of the final products of manganese compounds and causing manganese ions not to be electrolyzed. The present study was focused on the separation of Co, Ni and Zn ions from the leached solution with BaS. By controlling the pH value at 5.0-6.5, temperature at 50-60°C, reaction time at 15 min and mixing velocity at 78 rpm, the heavy metal ions could be separated effectively. Under the above optimized conditions, the ion concentration of Co, Ni, and Zn in the solution was reduced to 0.06 mg.L-1, 0.27mg.L-1 and 0.01mg.L-1, and the separation efficiency was 99.72%, 99.18% and 99.9% respectively. The obtained pure solution meets the demands of manganese electrowinning.