Leaching of Metals from Hydrometallurgical Residue by Sulfuric Acid

The hydrometallurgical processes are increasingly recognized for their eco-friendly approach to treating materials with low zinc content, particularly in the recovery of zinc from various secondary resources. This study aims to develop an efficient hydrometallurgical process for the recovery of zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu) from the hydrometallurgical residue sourced from Chaabet El Hamra, Algeria, utilizing sulfuric acid leaching. The chemical composition and mineralogical analysis of the hydrometallurgical residue were determined, revealing significant concentrations of zinc (41.61%) among other elements. The presence of key minerals such as sphalerite, quartz, and galena was confirmed through X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The results demonstrate that the proposed hydrometallurgical method is advantageous, as it employs acidic solutions to effectively extract valuable metals from the residue without the need for extensive pretreatment. Furthermore, the findings underscore the importance of hydrometallurgical techniques over traditional pyrometallurgical methods, particularly for their reduced environmental impact and economic benefits. This research contributes to a better understanding of secondary resource utilization and promotes sustainable practices in metal recovery.