Question

Which of the following ore is concentrated using group 1 cyanide salt ?

• A. Calamine
• B. Malachite
• C. Siderite
• D. Sphalerite

Hint:

Cyanide salts are also used in the leaching of Gold and Silver (MacArthur-Forrest process) to form soluble cyano-complexes.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The question asks which ore is concentrated using group 1 cyanide salt. To solve this question, we need to understand the concept of ore concentration using cyanide salts and identify which of the given options aligns with this method.

Cyanide salts, such as sodium cyanide, are primarily used in the concentration of zinc ores by a process known as "froth flotation," where they act as depressants for unwanted minerals like iron sulfides. The relevant process involves selectively separating valuable minerals from the non-valuable material or gangue.

Let's examine the ore options provided:

• Calamine: This is an ore of zinc but is usually concentrated using other methods like roasting, not cyanide treatment.
• Malachite: This is a copper carbonate hydroxide mineral, typically concentrated using hydrometallurgical processes.
• Siderite: This is an ore of iron and is concentrated through roasting and magnetic separation rather than cyanide salts.
• Sphalerite: This is a zinc sulfide ore and is effectively concentrated using cyanide salts which suppress other minerals, thus allowing sphalerite to be separated using froth flotation.

From the options provided, Sphalerite (ZnS) is concentrated using group 1 cyanide salt like sodium cyanide, making it the correct answer.

Conclusion: The correct answer is Sphalerite, which is concentrated using group 1 cyanide salt due to its zinc sulfide makeup, where cyanide acts as a depressant agent in the froth flotation process.