Effect of selected parameters on tetrahedrite leaching by ozone

Tetrahedrite, Cu12Sb4S13, can be an interesting and important resource of copper, antimony or other non-ferrous metals as is evident from its chemical formula. In spite of the high content of antimony in tetrahedrite, this mineral is not currently processed by pyrometallurgical methods mainly due to environmental concerns. A hydrometallurgical method as an alternative is therefore more convenient. This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation of tetrahedrite leaching in HCl solutions using ozone as an oxidising agent. Ozone was supplied by blowing gas through the pulp. A tetrahedrite concentrate from Maria mine in Rožňava, Slovakia was used for the experiments. The investigated parameters were HCl concentration, concentrate particle size, liquid to solid phase ratio (L/S) and ozone concentration in the gas.