D. Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia (Moscow, Russia):

D. Yu. Zhukov, Dr. Eng., Adviser to the Rector,
Yu. M. Averina, Dr. Eng., Associate Professor, Dept. of Innovative Materials and Corrosion Protection, e-mail: averinajm@mail.ru
V. V. Menshikov, Dr. Eng., Professor, Dept. of Innovative Materials and Corrosion Protection

This paper describes a sulfuric acid leaching technique applicable to complex low-grade manganese ores. The technique helps to obtain manganese sulfate solutions, which are further subjected to electrolysis and chemisorption. The final products of the above processes include conforming commodities, as well as primary products for pyrometallurgy, i.e. a mixture of bi- and quadrivalent manganese oxides. The paper also describes a technique for obtaining synthetic pyrolusite from nitrate solutions, which is a pure β-MnO₂. The nitrate technique is applicable to any kind of manganese ores, including manganese oxide ores, manganese carbonate ores, and complex ores. This technique offers a feasible comprehensive solution for producing concentrates which can be further processed to produce manganese metal and low-carbon ferroalloys. The paper contains detailed diagrams and material balances of the processes and lists the equipment that would be necessary to implement these techniques. Target products and by-products are listed separately. Sanitary restrictions and waste products are also mentioned in the paper.

The work was supported by Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia. Project Number 032-2018.

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