Investigation of Phase Transformations in Technogenic Raw Materials Under Microwave Treatment for Enhanced Zinc Leaching

Bagdaulet Kenzhaliyev, Ainur Nurkalyevna Berkinbayeva, Zhazira Baltabekova, Gulnara Moldabayeva, Kenzhegali Smailov, Shynar Saulebekkyzy, Nazerke Tolegenova, Diana Karim, Tursynkul Omirbek

2025

Full text Open access: Gold Metadata (CSL-JSON)

DOI 10.3390/pr13041099

Data confidence 70 medium

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Abstract

This study presents the results of an investigation into the effectiveness of microwave (MW) treatment (1) as a preconditioning method for technogenic raw materials (2) to enhance zinc (3) leaching (4) efficiency. Selective dielectric heating facilitates phase transformations (5), converting sphalerite (ZnS) into zinc oxide (ZnO), which exhibits significantly improved acid leachability. The response surface methodology (RSM) was utilized to evaluate critical operational variables, encompassing sulfuric acid concentration, leaching period, slurry density, and thermal conditions. The obtained results confirm the potential of MW treatment in hydrometallurgical processes, offering a sustainable and energy-efficient alternative for processing technogenic raw materials.