Efficiency of using ozone for extraction of metals from mineral raw materials

The paper summarizes the results of studies on the use of ozone for the extraction of non-ferrous, rare and noble metals from ores, beneficiation concentrates and technogenic raw materials identified from world scientific publications and in patent literature since the early 20th century. Ozone is a strong oxidizing agent with an oxidizing potential 1.5 times higher than the potential of chlorine in an acidic environment. Even refractory metals and minerals dissolve with ozone. Metal extraction from mineral raw materials using ozone does not contaminate processed products or generate any hazardous waste. The paper presents a significant number of studies on the use of ozone to dissolve gold and other noble metals in mineral acids showing an increase in the extraction of metals into the solution. The cyanide and thiourea leaching of gold from mineral raw materials with the replacement of oxygen with ozone was investigated. The paper provides the results of the vat and heap leaching of non-ferrous and noble metals using ozone obtained by air or oxygen irradiation with ultraviolet light, in particular with the use of photoelectrochemical treatment. These results were used as a basis for patenting new technologies. The effectiveness of ozone used in the flotation concentration of mineral raw materials, purification and detoxification of solutions and solid products of metallurgical processing, regeneration of other oxidants, metal extraction from process solutions was evaluated. The results of studies on using ozone for the vat leaching of metals from refractory sulfide ores and sulfide beneficiation concentrates in an acid solution, and the study of the ozone-assisted oxidation kinetics of copper, iron, zinc, and molybdenum sulfide minerals are summarized. The paper provides and analyzes the results of using ozone in a combination with other oxidants – hydrogen peroxide and iron (III) ions – for metal extraction from sulfide mineral raw materials in a sulfuric acid. According to the results of most of the studies carried out, it can be concluded that the use of ozone is effective for metal extraction from mineral raw materials as it improves process performance (metal extraction into the solution, selectivity of metal extraction from complex raw materials), and reduces processing time.

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