Cassiterite Leaching in Hydrometallurgy: A Review

Keke, Mabel and Ezeugo, Joseph Okechukwu and Nnanwube, Ikechukwu A and Onukwuli, Okechukwu D (2025) Cassiterite Leaching in Hydrometallurgy: A Review. Global Journal of Engineering and Technology Advances, 24 (2). 001-013. ISSN 2582-5003

Certain hydrometallurgy processes are used in the majority of the main metal manufacturing processes that yield a final metal product. Tin is an essential strategic metal that is widely used in novel energy components, aircraft, and other cutting-edge industries. Yet, with decreasing availability of high-grade tin ores, use of low-grade tin metals for metal tin processing is emerging as a significant development. However, there are intrinsic difficulties with low-grade tin ores that prevent them from being used directly in tin extraction. Although hydrometallurgy is still a useful technique for improving ore grade, problems such mineral complexity and fine particle dispersal still prevail. The three fundamental processing phases are recovery, concentration/purification, and extraction. In this study, hydrometallurgical processing will be explored in terms of hydrometallurgical essentials and their applications to tin treatment. The essential concepts and extraction techniques presented in this study can be applied to a wide range of metals. Given this, the current paper offers a thorough analysis of the properties of cassiterite resources, oxidative reagents, and pertinent case studies. Through an exploration of cassiterite's several dissolution techniques, the study emphasizes its leaching efficiency and distinctions between different oxidative reagents. In addition, it highlights substantial barriers to cassiterite dissolution and suggests determined, practical approaches to facilitate the effective use of tin resources, which will promote the long-term growth of the tin sector.