Technologically Sustainable Route for Metals Valorization from Jarosite-PbAg Sludge

By-products from zinc hydrometallurgy are classified as hazardous waste with strong leaching toxicities. Even though numerous research papers dedicated to valorizing valuable metals in it, the primary management route is still disposal or partial reuse, such Waelz process. Presented experimental investigates possibilities of sulfidization and further processing a technologically sustainable for valorization non-standard jarosite-PbAg sludge. The comprehensive thermodynamic analysis was done by HSC Chemistry®, through optimizing process parameters, i.e., temperature, sulfur addition, selection possible additives. Technological possibility magnetic separation, flotation, smelting sulfidized material also investigated; results were below values that allow practical application, due obtained texture jarosite, which does not liberation minerals. Smelting tests performed on jarosite without carbon additive. By sludge added stage at 1375 °C, products matte, slag, raw lead, dust base, critical, slag forming components valorized. Valuable concentrated so enable processing, could be interesting case treatment complex, polymetallic, refractory materials, represent significant contribution circular economy.