Hydrometallurgy

Definition

Hydrometallurgy is a method used in extracting metals from their ores through the use of aqueous chemistry. It involves processes like leaching, solution concentration and purification, and metal recovery.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hydrometallurgy is commonly used to extract metals such as gold, silver, copper, and uranium.
2. The process often begins with leaching, where the metal is dissolved into an aqueous solution.
3. Solvent extraction or ion exchange techniques are frequently employed to purify and concentrate the leach solutions.
4. Electrowinning or precipitation methods are typically used to recover the purified metal from the solution.
5. Hydrometallurgy is favored for its ability to process low-grade ores and its lower environmental impact compared to pyrometallurgical methods.

Review Questions

• What are the main steps involved in hydrometallurgy?
• Which metals can be commonly extracted using hydrometallurgical methods?
• Why might hydrometallurgy be preferred over pyrometallurgical methods?

Related terms

Leaching: A process in hydrometallurgy where a soluble constituent is dissolved out of a solid material by means of a liquid solvent.

Solvent Extraction: A method used to separate compounds based on their relative solubilities in two different immiscible liquids, often employed in solution concentration during hydrometallurgy.

Electrowinning: $A$ technique used in metallurgy for recovering metals from their ores by electrolysis.$