Silver is processed through a multi-stage process that includes extraction from ore and refining.
Silver Extraction from Ore
The initial step involves extracting silver from its ore, typically using one of the following methods:
- Froth Flotation and Cyanide Process:
- The ore undergoes a process called froth flotation to separate the silver-containing minerals.
- Following this, a cyanide process is used, which is similar to that used in gold extraction, to leach silver from the concentrate. This is the primary method of extraction after froth flotation according to the reference.
- The reference indicates that, in some cases, ore may be treated by smelting before cyanide treatment.
- Smelting:
- In certain instances, silver ores are treated using smelting, where heat and chemical reactions separate the silver from the other components. This method can be a precursor to the cyanide process.
- Electrolytic Refining of Copper:
- Silver can be extracted as a byproduct during the electrolytic refining of copper.
- Parkes Process on Lead Ores:
- Silver can also be recovered as a byproduct through the Parkes process, which is applied to lead ores.
Silver Refining
After extraction, silver may undergo further refining processes to achieve higher purity levels:
- Electrolysis: Electrolysis is a common method to refine silver to the required purity. This often occurs after leaching using cyanide.
Summary of Silver Processing Methods
| Stage | Method | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Extraction | Froth Flotation followed by Cyanide Process | Uses flotation to concentrate the ore before using cyanide to leach out the silver |
| Smelting, then potentially Cyanide Process | Some ores are smelted to separate silver, potentially followed by cyanide leaching | |
| Byproduct of Electrolytic Refining of Copper | Silver is recovered as a byproduct during copper refining | |
| Byproduct from the Parkes process on lead ores | Silver is recovered as a byproduct during lead refining | |
| Refining | Electrolysis | Refining process that uses electrical current to separate silver from impurities and achieve a high purity level. |
These methods ensure that silver is extracted efficiently and effectively from different types of ores and metallic sources, providing silver for various industrial applications.
