Environmental Issues On Hydrometallurgical Process

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1. Introduction
In the 1960s where hydrometallurgical processes grew in popularity, therewas a common perception that hydrometallurgy wasenvironmentally compliant. This was concluded from the perception that the low temperatures in comparison with pyrometallurgy meantlow energydemands andthe lack of air emissionswas often cited as demonstration that hydrometallurgical methods posed no threats to our environment, but this isnot the case (1)

1.1Aim
The aim of the assignment was to write a report on the effect of environmental issues on hydrometallurgical processing.
2. Environmental issues
Environmental regulations have become stricter over the years. This has led to an increase in the expenditure for safe waste and more responsible water and energy usage when it comes to hydrometallurgical processes. A low to no waste technology solution should always be preferred as it minimizes the threat of environmental legislation, these include: low waste technology solutions (material recycling), chemical treatments (decrease toxicity of solids and solutions) (2).

2.1Consumption
2.1.1 Energy
Many hydrometallurgical process and operations rely on energy,these include pumping of slurries leaching, electrowinning and electrorefining and in South Africa this is energy supplied by Eskom which is produced from coal- a non-renewable and non-clean energy source (3). This means that these hydrometallurgical processes contribute indirectly to the air pollution produced during the generating of electricity and because of Climate Change Levy (which aims to discourage high non-clean energy use) and department of energy regulations, hydrometallurgical plants buy their electricity at a higher price than households or commercial businesses. Hydrometallurg...

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...ions can still be recovered due to the high selectivity, The recovery of metals from these materials is also environmentally favourable, since many of the scrap metals have large amounts of heavy metals and base metals which are hazardous to the environment and the recycling of home scrap means that wastes from production is reduced and therefore in the end there is only a small disposal amount into the environment. (12)
4. Conclusion
With various environmentally conscious movements chanting “No human activity should be allowed without regard for its impact on air, land and water quality, on energy consumption and on greenhouse gas evolution” the mining and extractive metallurgy, have become prime targets for legislation and public concern and therefore all hydrometallurgical plants must re-evaluate and redress and replace all their operations that are in violation.

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