Willy Kitobo’s research while affiliated with University of Lubumbashi and other places

Results from the solvent extraction of copper and zinc from pregnant solutions after bioleaching of re-floated tailings from the Kipushi concentrator in DR of Congo are presented. LIX984N has been used as extractant for copper, while D2EHPA as such for zinc, following prior removal of the ferric iron via precipitation. The McCabe-Thiele diagrams constructed for Cu and Zn extraction have theoretically suggested the need for two stages for copper and one for zinc. Stripping these metals to the aqueous phase by sulphuric acid has yielded rich electrolytes with 48.5 g/L copper and 85.5 g/L zinc. Thus, copper and zinc could be further recovered from the stripped solutions by electrolysis.

An experimental study aimed at re-flotation of laid down tailings from Kipushi (DRC) to bring sulphide concentrate suitable for further processing by hydrometallurgical means has been realized. The results from a bioleaching route chosen to accomplish the later task by use of moderate thermophilic and mesophilic microorganisms are reported. It has been found that due to the complexity of the treated material, the leaching pattern of the two principal metals of interest, copper and zinc vary. Whilst the copper bearing minerals have been leached relatively fast by direct mechanism, the leaching kinetics for the zinc minerals has been moderate involving predominantly an indirect mechanism. The effects of pH and temperature variations and ferrous ions addition upon the extent of copper and zinc dissolution have been examined. The presence of ferrous ions has been found beneficial for the leaching of sphalerite, however the concomitant formation of jarosite precipitates has led to copper leaching hindrance. Similarly, the rapid zinc solubilisation has been counterbalanced by decrease in rate of copper dissolution.