Hidrometalúrgicos

Hidrometalúrgicos refers to processes in extractive metallurgy that use aqueous solutions to recover valuable metals from ores, concentrates, and recycled materials. These methods are distinct from pyrometallurgical processes, which involve high temperatures and smelting. Hidrometalúrgico techniques often involve leaching, where a solvent dissolves the desired metal from the solid material, followed by purification and then metal recovery.

Common leaching agents include acids like sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid, bases such as sodium hydroxide, and sometimes complexing agents. The choice of leaching agent depends on the specific metal and the mineralogy of the ore. After leaching, the metal is typically separated from impurities. This can be achieved through various methods like solvent extraction, ion exchange, or precipitation.

The final step is the recovery of the pure metal. Common recovery techniques include electrowinning, where an electric current is used to deposit the metal onto a cathode, or precipitation as a solid compound. Hidrometalúrgico processes are often favored for their lower energy requirements compared to pyrometallurgy and their ability to process low-grade ores and complex materials. They are widely used for the extraction of metals such as copper, gold, nickel, zinc, and uranium. Environmental considerations are also important, with efforts focused on minimizing waste generation and managing effluents.