Sulphide ores of metals are usually concentrated by froth floatation p...
From argentite,
4Ag + 8NaCN + O2 + 2H2O → 4Na[Ag(CN)2] + 4NaOH
silver is extracted by leaching process.
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Sulphide ores of metals are usually concentrated by froth floatation p...
Exception to Froth Floatation Process for Sulphide Ores
Sulphide ores of metals are usually concentrated by froth floatation process. In this process, the sulphide ore is mixed with water and a collector chemical that makes the ore particles stick to air bubbles. The mixture is then agitated and air is blown through it. The air bubbles carrying the ore particles rise to the surface and are collected as a froth, while the gangue particles sink to the bottom.
However, there is an exception to this process - argentite (Ag2S) ore is concentrated by leaching.
Leaching Process for Argentite Ore
Leaching is a process of extracting a substance from a solid by dissolving it in a liquid. In the case of argentite ore, the leaching process involves the following steps:
1. The crushed ore is first treated with a dilute solution of sodium cyanide.
2. The solution is then filtered to remove any impurities.
3. Zinc dust is added to the purified solution, which reacts with the silver ions to form silver metal.
4. The silver metal is then separated from the solution by filtration or by other means.
Advantages of Leaching Process
The leaching process has several advantages over froth floatation process for argentite ore:
1. Leaching is a simpler and more economical process than froth floatation.
2. It does not require the use of collector chemicals, which can be expensive and difficult to handle.
3. It is a more environmentally friendly process, as it does not produce large amounts of froth or waste material.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while most sulphide ores are concentrated by froth floatation process, argentite ore is an exception and is concentrated by leaching. The leaching process is simpler, more economical, and more environmentally friendly than froth floatation process for this particular ore.