Integrating sulfidization with neutralization treatment for selective recovery of copper and zinc over iron from acid mine drainage

► We integrate NaHS sulfidization with lime neutralization for selective recovery of Cu and Zn over Fe from AMD. ► Adding more than 20 mg/L NaHS at pH 2.8 without pH adjustment could selectively precipitate Cu over Fe and Zn. ► Fe could be precipitated over Zn afterward by lime neutralization at pH 5 whereas the addition of oxidizing agent was needed. ► Adding 10-15 mg/L NaHS could selectively precipitate Cu over Zn at pH 5 after Fe was fully precipitated by lime previously.