Abstract
This article presents the results of developing a hydrometallurgical method for processing polymetallic sublimates containing arsenic, zinc, copper, and lead. Using sublimates from “BalkhashPolymetal” LLP (Kazakhstan) as an example, the optimal conditions for sulfuric acid leaching were determined as follows: t = 80–85 °C, H2SO4 = 25 g/dm3, τ = 60 min. Under these conditions, extraction of arsenic was 93%, zinc 80%, and copper 42% was achieved. Iron(II) hydroxide was used to remove arsenic from the solution, which made it possible to reduce the residual As content in the solution to 0.02 g/L and return approximately 97% of copper to the process cycle. Eh–pH analysis of the Fe–As–Cu–H2O system confirmed the thermodynamic stability of Fe(II/III) arsenates in the selected pH range 3–5. The obtained results can be used to develop safe and resource-saving technologies for processing technogenic raw materials.