Robert E Au

US Patent:

42060230, Jun 3, 1980

Filed:

May 12, 1978

Appl. No.:

5/905128

Inventors:

Robert W. Au - Diamond Bar CA

Assignee:

Occidental Research Corporation - La Verne CA

International Classification:

C25C 116
C22B 1922
C01G 904

US Classification:

204118JM

Abstract:

A process is disclosed for the separation and recovery of zinc from material in which it is contained as a sulfide. Zinc sulfide containing material is chlorinated in an aqueous medium in the presence of elemental chlorine and ferric/ferrous ions to form a solution containing zinc chloride, iron chloride and elemental sulfur. The solution is treated with elemental chlorine and alkali to precipitate the iron (e. g. at about pH 3 to 4). Zinc chloride is recovered from the solution by means known to those skilled in the art such as by electrolysis. The precipitated iron is recycled for use as a secondary chlorinating solution to treat the solid residue of the initial chlorination leaching step.