New Technology of Processing Pyrite Concentrate

There are various technologies for processing pyrite concentrates containing non-ferrous metals, Au, Ag, Cu, etc. Often these technologies have disadvantages such as undesired emission of sulfur dioxide into environment, incomplete extraction of useful metals. We have developed a new technology allowing to obtain pure sponge iron and prevent SO2 release into atmosphere. Sulfur is obtained in liquid form of hydrogen sulfide which can be easily converted into sodium sulfide which is a useful product for ore enrichment. Technology is based on high temperature treatment of pyrite concentrate in water vapor medium. The temperature regimes of pyrite concentrate processing and other technological details are presented in the paper as well as chemical composition of row material and final product. The technology is tested in pilot laboratory plant using concentrates of Kadjaran (Armenia) deposit.