Soda decomposition of low-grade tungsten ore through mechanical activation

Abstract

Leaching of low-grade refractory tungsten ore was carried out through mechanical activation. The effect of temperature, amount of Na₂CO₃, addition of NaOH, ratio of liquid to solid and leaching time on the recovery of WO₃ was studied. The WO₃ recovery upto 96%–99% has been achieved when the tungsten ore was digested by soda not more than three times stiochiometric amount at 185–195 °C for 1.0–2.0 h. The WO₃ recovery can increase 10%–15% compared to that of conventional soda autoclave process.

Keywords

tungsten / low-grade ore / leaching / mechanical activation