Simulation of an Alternative Direct Leaching Process …
407
Fig. 1 Common zinc concentrate penalties
As we exhaust superficial and concentrated zinc mines, we need to move deeper
and to more impure sites, usually producing dirtier concentrates (Fig. 2). Because
of that, it is fundamental that the future of Zn extraction and production be able to
process this type of material without detriments. Furthermore, new techniques are
been developed each day to contemplate this future, like TSL and Waelz process,
both able to treat secondary sources of Zn with high degrees of impurities.
Fig. 2 Tendency of mines size and depth as a function of time
407
Fig. 1 Common zinc concentrate penalties
As we exhaust superficial and concentrated zinc mines, we need to move deeper
and to more impure sites, usually producing dirtier concentrates (Fig. 2). Because
of that, it is fundamental that the future of Zn extraction and production be able to
process this type of material without detriments. Furthermore, new techniques are
been developed each day to contemplate this future, like TSL and Waelz process,
both able to treat secondary sources of Zn with high degrees of impurities.
Fig. 2 Tendency of mines size and depth as a function of time