Abstract: A process and apparatus for recovering a metal from a feedstock containing a compound of the metal. The process includes an electrowinning step in which a leachate comprising a salt of the metal, dissolved in an aqueous acid solution, is subjected to electrowinning in an electrolytic cell, wherein elemental metal is deposited on the cathodes of the cell and oxygen is generated at the anodes. The oxygen generated at the anodes is collected and is then at least partially consumed in an oxygen-consuming step of the process. Preferably, the oxygen-consuming step comprises an atmospheric or pressure leaching step in which the metal compounds in the feedstock become dissolved in a leachate in the form of metal salts, preferably sulfates. The recovery and use of anode oxygen in a leaching process encourages the use of mist-reducing technology in existing and new electrowinning facilities.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for recovering a metal from a feedstock containing a compound of the metal. The process includes an electrowinning step in which a leachate comprising a salt of the metal, dissolved in an aqueous acid solution, is subjected to electrowinning in an electrolytic cell, wherein elemental metal is deposited on the cathodes of the cell and oxygen is generated at the anodes. The oxygen generated at the anodes is collected and is then at least partially consumed in an oxygen-consuming step of the process. Preferably, the oxygen-consuming step comprises an atmospheric or pressure leaching step in which the metal compounds in the feedstock become dissolved in a leachate in the form of metal salts, preferably sulfates. The recovery and use of anode oxygen in a leaching process encourages the use of mist-reducing technology in existing and new electrowinning facilities.