LEADING OF TAILS OF THE CARON PROCESS ORGANIC LIXIVIAN: ACETIC ACID AND ACID PIROLEÑOSO

Abstract

This paper presents the behaviour of extraction of nickel, cobalt, iron and manganese contained in the tailings of the carbonate ammonium process at the “Ernesto Che Guevara” nickel industry, Moa. The agents of lixiviation utilized were the acetic acid and the pyroligneous acid that were obtained for pyrolisis of sugarcane bagasse. The results of leaching with solutions of acetic acid showed up that the greater percentages of Ni and Co extraction (35 and 39 % respectively) were
reached in the superior level of temperatura and concentration of acetic acid. The leaching of the tailing with pyroligneous acid was accomplished at different levels of temperature, and extractions of Ni and Co of 35,6 y 36,0 % were achieved at highest temperature (60 ºC), while the iron extraction was higher that with solutions of acetic acid. This last had influence whereon the levels of selectivity attained with acid piroleñoso were inferior. The analyses of scanning electronic microscopy evidenced the action of these acids on the mineral. The results of X-ray diffraction showed up that do not take place important transformations of phases in the tailings, neither the appearing of new phases as a result of the lixiviation with these organic agents.