THE DISSOLUTION OF GALENA IN HYDROCHLORIC ACID - CHLORATE SOLUTIONS

The kinetics and mechanism of the leaching of galena in hydrocholoric acid - chlorate solutions were studied in the temperature range 40 to 70(degree)C. Some physico-chemical factors that affect the leaching reaction have been investigated. The rate of leaching of lead was directly related to the temperature and concentration of the leachant, and inversely proportional to the average initial size of the particle. The non-dependence of the rate on stirring speed, the linear relationship between 1-(1-a)^1/3 and reaction time. and the high activation energy are indicative of a surface chemically-controlled mechanism.