: Uses sodium hydroxide, essential for the Bayer process to produce alumina.
: Used to extract precious metals like gold and silver from discarded circuit boards. Hydrometallurgy: Principles and Applications
Hydrometallurgy is a specialized branch of extractive metallurgy that uses aqueous solutions to recover metals from ores, concentrates, and recycled materials. Unlike pyrometallurgy, which relies on high-temperature smelting, hydrometallurgy operates at relatively lower temperatures and is increasingly valued for its ability to process low-grade or complex ores more sustainably. : Uses sodium hydroxide, essential for the Bayer
: Methods vary from Heap Leaching (spraying ore heaps) to Autoclave Leaching (high-pressure vessels). which relies on high-temperature smelting
: Adding reagents to force metals out of the solution as solid compounds. Industrial Applications
: Employs specialized resins to adsorb specific ions from the solution.
: Commonly uses sulfuric acid for copper and uranium.