In: Chemistry
What species are most likely to promote solubility of base metals in ore fluids and why?
(a) chloride or bisulphide ions
(b) hydroxyl or carbonate ions
(c) sodium or potassium ions
(d) fluoride ions in reduced solutions
(e) dissolved methane and CO2
base metal are more widely used in industry and commercial purpose. They are more abundant in nature and therefore far cheaper than precious metals such asgold, silver and platinum. Base metals include aluminum, copper, lead, nickel,tin and zinc.
CO2 dissolved in water to form H2CO3 that is carbonic acid formed. which is an acid and helps to convert the metal to metal ion.
CO2 + H2O .....> H2CO3 ...> H+ + HCO3-
M + H+ ...> ... Mn+ + H2 (g)
In electrochemical series most of the base metal situated above hydrogen. so base metals in ore is more reactive than H and remove as metal ion.
option (e) dissolved methane and CO2 is the answer