Aqueous SO2 leaching studies on Nishikhal manganese ore through factorial experiment

Aqueous SO2 leaching studies of Nishikhal manganese ore containing 32.5% Mn and 16.5% Fe were carried out at atmospheric pressure and room temperature using H2SO3. The variables considered were SO2 concentration, solid-to-liq uid ratio, sulphuric acid concentration and duration of leaching. Regressio n equations for extraction of manganese and iron were determined from 2(4) full factorial design. The effect of variables on extraction of manganese w ere independent of each other within the range of variables chosen for expe riment. It was found that 95% of manganese could be extracted in 15 min fro m - 150 mu m ore with twice the stoichiometric quantity of SO2 required for dissolution of manganese. The quantity of SO2 present in the solution is t he controlling factor in the extraction of manganese. (C) 2000 Elsevier Sci ence B.V. All rights reserved.