Anglesite (PbSO4) leaching in citrate solutions

• Lead extraction from PbSO4 was studied at ambient temperature in citrate solutions.
• Solution pH had an effect on lead extraction due to the degree of citrate dissociation.
• A shrinking particle model with solubility control was used to describe the kinetics.

The thermodynamics and kinetics of anglesite leaching in citrate solutions was studied at room temperature. Solution pH and pulp density were found to have a pronounced effect on lead extraction. Thermodynamic analysis suggested that the lead solubility in citrate is maximized at pH values near 7, which was corroborated through leaching tests. The limited solubility was found to severely hamper the leaching rate at high pulp densities. A shrinking particle model with solubility control was used to describe the results.