Surface response methodology and preliminary process analysis in the studyof manganiferous ore leaching by using whey or lactose in sulfuric acid solutions

In the present work, the use of lactose and whey as reducing agents for the acid leaching of manganiferous ores was investigated. The target of the le aching tests performed by using whey was to simulate the possible use of th e byproducts-of cheese industries as reducing agents for metal extractions. The experimental results were analyzed by the "response surface methodolog y" (RSM) to find empirical models suitable to predict metal extraction yiel ds as functions of the main operative conditions. A preliminary process ana lysis has been performed and a flow-sheet for MnSO4 has been proposed.