Recovery of molybdenum from residues by simultaneous ultrafine milling and alkali leaching

A new technology of treating molybdenum residues by simultaneous ultmfme milling and alkali leaching was put forward to recover molybdenum from metallurgical residues. The effects of residue size, milling time, solid content, n(Na2CO3)/n(Mo) and slurry pH value on molybdenum leaching rate were investigated. The results indicate that a simpler process, lower slurry temperature, 50% shorter treating time, 60% decrease of Na2CO3 content and 15% increase of molybdenum leaching rate can be obtained by the new technology compared with the traditional process. The leaching kinetic equation was determined, and calculation of active energy (E = 56.2 kJ/mol) shows that the leaching process of molybdenum residues by simultaneous ultmfine milling and alkali leaching is controlled by chemical reaction. Potential exists for the new process to form the basis for an economically viable, environmentally friendly process to recover valuable elements from residues.

Recovery of molybdenum from residues by simultaneous ultrafine milling and alkali leaching

A new technology of treating molybdenum residues by simultaneous ultrafine milling and alkali leaching was put forward to recover molybdenum from metallurgical residues. The effects of residue size, milling time, solid content, n(Na₂CO₃)/n(Mo) and slurry pH value on molybdenum leaching rate were investigated. The results indicate that a simpler process, lower slurry temperature, 50% shorter treating time, 60% decrease of Na₂CO₃ content and 15% increase of molybdenum leaching rate can be obtained by the new technology compared with the traditional process. The leaching kinetic equation was determined, and calculation of active energy (E=56.2 kJ/mol) shows that the leaching process of molybdenum residues by simultaneous ultrafine milling and alkali leaching is controlled by chemical reaction. Potential exists for the new process to form the basis for an economically viable, environmentally friendly process to recover valuable elements from residues. Foundation item: The Excellent Doctoral Dissertation Foundation of Human Province(No. 200114) Biography of the first author: YANG Hua-ming, associate professor, doctor, born in Oct. 1968, majoring in mineral processing, nanometer materials and functional ceramics.