Present Situation and Research Progress of Comprehensive Utilization of Low Grade Zinc Oxide Ore

According to the latest 14th Five-Year Plan, China encourages the comprehensive utilization of mining resources such as associated ore, low-grade ore and tailings. Strengthening the comprehensive utilization of resources is an important means to change the extensive economic growth and realize the circular economy and green development. With the increasing demand for valuable metals such as zinc and lead and the depletion of limited high-grade zinc ore resources, it is urgent to comprehensively recover and utilize the valuable components of middle and low grade zinc oxide ore. In this paper, the existing technology principle, process flow and effect of the comprehensive utilization of low grade zinc oxide ore resources are summarized and analyzed from two aspects of roasting method and leaching method, and the problems existing in the application of each process are put forward. Secondly, the research status of comprehensive utilization of low grade zinc oxide ore and zinc containing waste by microbial hydrometallurgical technology is briefly analyzed. Finally, the prospect of the comprehensive utilization of low grade zinc oxide ore is prospected: the microbial hydrometallurgy technology, especially the microbial and chemical combined process technology, will be the focus of future research because of its characteristics of not only realizing the efficient recovery of valuable components, but also realizing the win-win of economic benefits and environmental protection.