The study of acid leaching and electrodeposition method to enhance Pb recovery from galena concentrate

Abstract

Galena is a potential source of lead (Pb), which has many used for lead batteries. Indonesia is a country with potential sources of galena mineral. This investigation showed Pb extraction of 0.274 % using acetic acid leaching method with 1.0 M acetic acid at 50oC from galena concentrate. This study showed remarkable enhancement of Pb extraction until 8.96 % applying electrodeposition method using 1.0 M acetic acid at 50oC. Varied acetic acid concentrations were applied for 1.0 M, 3.0 M, 5.0 M, and 7.0 M and varied temperatures were applied in this study for 50 °C, 65 °C, and 80 °C. The percentage of Pb extraction showed a consistency with the reduction of % Pb extraction with increasing acid concentrations and increasing temperatures. This findings is assumed to be related to exothermic PbS dissolution shifted to decreasing Pb(II) ion concentration and ion pair formation retarding Pb dissolution. The percentage of Pb from leaching process was determined by AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer), while the percentage of Pb by electrodeposition method was determined from quantity of Pb deposit on cathode of an electrochemical cell. This investigation shows a significant breakthrough for enhancement of Pb recovery from galena mineral.