ZINC EXTRACTION PROCESSES

ZINC EXTRACTION PROCESSES

The most important raw material for production of Zinc is Zinc Sulphide (ZnS) ore commonly known as Sphalerite. Next in the importance are Zinc Carbonates (Calamine/Smithsonite) and Zinc Silicate. Most of the zinc production worldwide originates from sulphide ores.

The principal processes by which zinc is extracted from its ores can be categorised under pyro-metallurgical processes and hydro-metallurgical processes.

A. Pyrometallurgical Processes:

i) Horizontal Retort Process

ii) Vertical Retort Process

iii) Electro Thermal Process

iv) Imperial Smelting Process

B. Hydrometallurgical Processes:

i) Roast Leach Electrowin Process

ii) Pressure Leaching Process