South Chem Trading is a trusted supplier of high-purity Sulphur Granules in South Africa. For this reason, industries that rely on metal extraction benefit from sulphur’s ability to improve recovery rates, stabilize processes, and reduce impurities. By using high-quality granular sulphur, companies can achieve more consistent results in modern ore leaching operations.
What is Leaching?
Leaching is a method that uses a chemical solution to extract metals from ore. Metals dissolve into a solution called pregnant leach solution (PLS), which is later processed to recover pure metal.
Compared to smelting, leaching:
- Uses less energy
- Produces fewer emissions
- Works well with low-grade ores
When sulphur is added, it helps generate sulphuric acid, a strong leaching agent that improves the dissolution of metals like copper, nickel, and uranium. As a result, the metal recovery process becomes faster and more efficient.
How Sulphur Helps in Metal Extraction
Sulphur plays two main roles in leaching:
- Acid Generation – Sulphur forms sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄) during oxidation. This acid dissolves metal compounds, releasing metals for recovery.
- Redox Catalyst – Sulphur improves electron transfer, which speeds up mineral breakdown and increases overall recovery.
Therefore, in both bioleaching and acid leaching, sulphur increases reaction speed and improves metal yield.
To explore more options, visit our Mining Chemicals category.
Benefits of High-Quality Granular Sulphur
1. Even Reactivity
Granular sulphur reacts evenly, producing steady acid formation. This ensures predictable metal dissolution and precise control of the leaching process.
2. Low Impurities
Low-quality sulphur may contain ash, moisture, or trace metals that reduce recovery. On the other hand, South Chem Trading’s sulphur granules are high-purity, providing clean reactions and protecting equipment.
3. Higher Metal Yield
As a result of consistent acid generation and reduced passivation, metal recovery increases. Heap and tank leaching benefit most, delivering higher yields and better efficiency.
Case Example: Copper Recovery
In copper mining, sulphur oxidizes in heap leaching to form sulphuric acid. This, in turn, dissolves copper minerals such as chalcopyrite and covellite.
Moreover, using high-quality granules can improve copper recovery by up to 20% compared to irregular sulphur. Because of steady acid release, ore gets full contact, reducing leftover residues and improving overall efficiency.
Best Practices for Handling Sulphur
To maximize results with sulphur in ore leaching:
- Store in a cool, dry, ventilated area
- Avoid open handling to reduce dust and fire risk
- Use accurate dosing equipment for controlled reagent flow
- Monitor pH and oxidation potential regularly
Additionally, all South Chem Trading batches come with a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and detailed technical guidance for safe and effective use.
Partner with a Trusted Sulphur Supplier
Sulphur leaching is essential for metal recovery and process stability. By choosing South Chem Trading, you get:
- High-purity sulphur granules
- Reliable and consistent supply
- Expert technical support
Therefore, request a quote or download our technical data sheet to see how our sulphur products can enhance your ore leaching performance.
