Sulphide ores of metals are usually concentrated by froth floatation p...
Leaching This process consists in treating the powdered ore with a suitable reagent (such as acids, bases or other chemicals) which can selectively dissolves the ore but not the impuritier. It is used to extract silver metals.
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Sulphide ores of metals are usually concentrated by froth floatation p...
Exception in Sulphide Ores Concentration
Argentite
Argentite is an exception among the sulphide ores as it is concentrated by leaching instead of the conventional froth floatation process. Leaching is a process where a solvent is used to extract the desired substance from a solid material.
Reason for Leaching of Argentite
- Argentite is a silver sulfide ore, and it is often associated with lead, copper, and other sulfides.
- The conventional froth floatation process may not be as effective in separating silver from these other sulfide minerals.
- Leaching allows for selective extraction of silver from the ore without the need for extensive grinding and flotation processes.
Leaching Process for Argentite
- In the leaching process for argentite, the ore is first crushed and then mixed with a leaching agent such as cyanide solution.
- The cyanide solution selectively reacts with the silver in the ore, forming a soluble silver cyanide complex.
- This complex is then separated from the rest of the ore and further processed to extract silver.
Conclusion
While most sulphide ores are concentrated using froth floatation, argentite stands out as an exception due to its successful concentration by leaching. This unique process allows for efficient extraction of silver from the ore, making it a valuable method for argentite processing.