The Role of Solar Energy (UV-VIS-NIR) as an Assistant for Sulfide Minerals Leaching and Its Potential Application for Metal Extraction
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2021Metadata
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Yepsen, Orlando
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The Role of Solar Energy (UV-VIS-NIR) as an Assistant for Sulfide Minerals Leaching and Its Potential Application for Metal Extraction
Abstract
The mining industry is facing emerging challenges as a result of the increase in energy
consumption and environmental demands. These facts have promoted the use of renewable energy
sources, such as wind, geothermal and, mainly, solar energy. This paper discusses the role of solar
energy (UV-VIS-NIR) in leaching processes, evaluating its potential application in metal extraction
from sulfide minerals, based on photochemical mechanisms that promote the regeneration of ferric
iron or the so called ferrous iron cycling. The present paper discusses the possibility that ultraviolet,
visible light and near infrared irradiation (e.g., sunlight provided) can assist the leaching processes in
two main ways: by the oxidation of sulfide minerals through in-situ generated Fenton-like reactions,
and by the photochemical activation of semiconductor minerals that contain transition metals (Fe,
Cu, and Cr, among others). Thus, this paper provides theoretical support to move towards the
future application of photoleaching, which consist of a leaching process assisted by UV, VIS, and
NIR irradiation. This technology can be considered a promising mineral processing route, using
direct photochemical solar energy that can reduce the energy consumption (electricity, fuels) and the
environmental impact, opening an opportunity for an alternative method of metal extraction from
sulfide ores.
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Artículo de publícación WoS
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URI: https://repositorio.uchile.cl/handle/2250/189391
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/min11080828
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Minerals 2021, 11, 828
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