Study of a Novel Chloride Volatilization Process for the Treatment of Jarosite Residue

A novel chloride volatilization process for the treatment of jarosite residue stored in Serbia has been developed. In this process, valuable metals such as lead, zinc, copper, silver, and indium are chlorinated and volatilized with the addition of chlorinating agent. Iron is enriched in the slag and used in iron making systems after magnetic separation or other methods. Sulfur combines with calcium and forms a stable calcium sulfate to avoid the production of sulfur dioxide. The influence of reducing agent, chlorinating agent, and temperature on the volatilization rate of zinc, lead, copper, silver, and indium is investigated. The results show that the addition of chlorinating agent, reducing agent, and temperature has an effect on the metal volatilization rate; the addition of chlorinating agent improves the volatilization rate of lead, zinc, copper, silver, and indium; and the addition of reducing agent further improves the metal recovery rate. Under the recommended conditions, the volatilization rate of each element is zinc 98.26%, lead 99.88%, copper 97.32%, indium 58.73%, and silver 95.22%, respectively. The chloride volatilization process not only transforms jarosite residue into general solid waste, but also comprehensively recovers valuable metals such as lead, zinc, copper, silver, indium, and iron. The process completely solves the potential pollution of jarosite residue and has good economic benefits.