Exploratory experiments on pyrite removal from oil shale by an electrolytic process

The electrolytic treatment of kerogen concentrate shows that it is potentially an effective method for pyrite removal from oil shale. It has been demonstrated that this process can be carried out by using an alkali salt, which does exist in the oil shale, as electrolyte. Although this method was tested on Appalachian shale, it could probably be applied to other oil shales, coal, tar sands and other carbonaceous rocks. In such extended applications, the development of electrolytic processes to remove pyrite should be encouraged.