Fundamental study of lead recovery from cerussite concentrate with methanesulfonic acid (MSA)

• Methanesulfonic acid (MSA) is highly feasible to treat cerussite concentrates.
• The dissolution of cerussite concentrates in MSA is fast and complete.
• The lead extraction via a “Leaching–Desulfurization–Releaching” route exceeds 98%.
• The MSA electrolyte can be competitive to fluosilicate or fluoborate electrolytes.
• Calcium ligninsulfonate (CL) can best improve the morphology of lead deposit.

Cerussite (PbCO3) concentrates may be recovered from oxidized lead ores. A hydro-electrometallurgical process to treat cerussite concentrate by methanesulfonic acid (MSA) is proposed. Cerussite concentrate was first leached with MSA. The parameters of temperature, stirring speed, acid concentration, particle size and solid to liquid ratio were considered in this study. After the primary leach, the remaining lead (mainly as anglesite in the residue) was extracted through a desulfurization step using Na2CO3 and a re-leach step with MSA usage. An overall lead extraction of 98% was finally obtained. In the subsequent lead electrowinning process from MSA based electrolyte, the individual and synergistic effects of four additives, including two ligninsulfonate salts and two glycol-type agents, on the lead deposit quality were investigated. The individual use of calcium ligninsulfonate most effectively benefited the morphology of lead deposit. The operating parameters in the lead electrowinning process (i.e. temperature, current density, concentrations of lead ion and protons) had a widely acceptable range. The cathodic current efficiency and specific energy consumption were around 99% and 0.53 kWh/kg, respectively.