Antimony (Sb) is an important metal element widely used in various industrial fields, including electronics, metallurgy, fire-resistant materials, etc. With the continuous increase in demand for antimony, the mining of antimony resources has also correspondingly increased, which has led to the generation of antimony tailings. Antimony tailings usually contain residual substances of antimony, as well as other valuable metals and minerals. Therefore, the recycling and utilization of antimony tailings is of great significance, as it can not only reduce resource waste, but also contribute to environmental protection and sustainable development. This article will delve into the recycling and utilization methods of antimony tailings, including physical, chemical, and metallurgical technologies, as well as their applications in different scenarios.
1. Genesis of antimony tailings
Antimony tailings are waste products from antimony smelting and processing processes. It mainly consists of incompletely extracted antimony ore residues, antimony smelting waste, and other impurities. The genesis of antimony tailings mainly includes multiple stages such as leaching, concentration, and extraction. The extraction of antimony is a key link in the antimony smelting process, and incomplete extraction of antimony will remain in the tailings.
2. Composition of antimony tailings
The composition of antimony tailings not only includes antimony, but also other valuable metals and minerals such as lead, copper, zinc, iron, sulfur, and arsenic. In addition, antimony tailings may also contain non-metallic minerals such as quartz, galena, sphalerite, etc. The composition of antimony tailings is complex, so multiple recovery methods are needed to separate and extract valuable substances from them.
1. Physical separation method
(1) Reselection
Gravity separation is a commonly used physical separation method suitable for the separation of metallic minerals such as antimony, lead, and copper in antimony tailings. During the re selection process, valuable metal minerals are separated by utilizing the density differences of different minerals. Gravity separation usually includes equipment such as centrifugal concentration, shaking table, and spiral sorting, which can be used for the preliminary separation of antimony tailings.
(2) Magnetic separation
Magnetic separation is an effective method for separating iron bearing minerals, suitable for the iron ore that may be present in antimony tailings. By applying a magnetic field, iron ore material can be adsorbed onto the magnetic head and separated. This helps to improve the purity of antimony in antimony tailings and reduce the impact of impurities.
2. Chemical separation methods
(1) Acid leaching
Acid leaching is a chemical separation method commonly used to extract antimony and other metals such as lead, copper, zinc, etc. During the acid leaching process, antimony tailings are immersed in an acidic solution to dissolve the metals inside. Then, the metal can be separated through methods such as precipitation and extraction. The acid leaching method is suitable for antimony tailings with high antimony content.
(2) Sulfurization reduction
Sulfide reduction is a method used to extract antimony, usually suitable for antimony tailings with low antimony content. During the sulfurization reduction process, antimony tailings react with sulfurizers to convert antimony into antimony sulfide (Sb2S3), which can then be extracted through metallurgical methods.
3. Metallurgical methods
(1) Cyanidation method
Cyanidation is a common metallurgical method for extracting antimony. In the cyanide method, antimony tailings are immersed in a solution containing cyanide, and antimony reacts with cyanide to form cyanide antimony. Then, antimony can be extracted through steps such as precipitation and extraction. The cyanide method is suitable for situations where the antimony content in antimony tailings is high.
(2) Oxidation roasting
Oxidative roasting is a metallurgical method that converts antimony sulfide in antimony tailings into antimony oxide. During the oxidation roasting process, antimony tailings are heated to a certain temperature, and antimony sulfide is oxidized to antimony oxide. Then, antimony oxide can be extracted through physical separation or chemical methods.
The recovery and utilization of antimony tailings can not only reduce resource waste, but also contribute to environmental protection and sustainable development. Antimony tailings contain valuable metals and minerals that can be used in multiple applications, including:
1. Antimony production
Through appropriate extraction and metallurgical techniques, antimony in antimony tailings can be used for antimony production to meet industrial needs.
2. Other metal recycling
Antimony tailings may contain metals such as lead, copper, and zinc, which can also be recycled and used for other industrial applications.
3. Environmentally friendly materials
Antimony tailings can be used to prepare environmentally friendly materials, such as fire-resistant materials, ceramics, coatings, etc., which helps reduce dependence on harmful materials.
The recycling and utilization of antimony tailings is crucial for sustainable resource utilization and environmental protection. Different recovery methods are required for antimony tailings with different antimony contents, including physical separation, chemical separation, and metallurgical methods. Proper recycling and utilization can reduce resource waste, improve the recovery rate of valuable substances, and provide sustainable resources for society and industry. The recovery and utilization of antimony tailings should receive more attention and research to achieve resource utilization and reduce environmental impact.
