The Leaching Gold and Silver from E-Waste by LSSS Method

Abstract-A new hydrometallurgical recovery technology of leaching gold and silver from E-waste has been presented by Lime Sulfur Synthetic Solution (LSSS) method. The influences of sodium sulfite concentration, divalent copper ions concentration, aqueous ammonia concentration, reaction temperature and leaching time were investigated experimentally. The results indicated that it was favorable for gold and silver leaching when solid-liquid ratio was 1:3 , leaching time 2.5h, at temperature of 318K, under the condition of Na₂SO₃ 0.1mol/I, Cu²⁺ 0.03 mol/I, NH₄⁺ 0.5 mol/I solution, pH=10, for 5g e-waste power. The best leaching rate of gold and silver reached about 92% and 90% in this favorably experimental condition, which suggested this technological viability for gold and silver recovery. On the basis of practice, LSSS method has the advantages of non-toxic, low-cost, simple process, easy to operate and was expected to be a great potential method in recycling gold and silver from e-waste.