Chemical Method for Zinc Separation from Ores: Mineral Potential of the Jabali Zinc Deposit from Yemen

Authors

  • Afrah Maresh Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Sana'a University, Sana'a, Yemen.
  • Aiesha Kamel Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Sana'a University, Sana'a, Yemen.
  • Anhar Al Ashwal Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Sana'a University, Sana'a, Yemen.
  • Doa´a Al Absi Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Sana'a University, Sana'a, Yemen.
  • Gadier Al Kebsi Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Sana'a University, Sana'a, Yemen.
  • Hadeel Al Kebsi Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Sana'a University, Sana'a, Yemen.
  • Hadeel Al Zuriqi Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Sana'a University, Sana'a, Yemen.
  • Huda Essa Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Sana'a University, Sana'a, Yemen.
  • Mawadah Al Moqbli Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Sana'a University, Sana'a, Yemen.
  • Omima Abdan Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Sana'a University, Sana'a, Yemen.
  • Tarmoz Kamel Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Sana'a University, Sana'a, Yemen.
  • Yasmin M.S. Jamil Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Sana'a University, Sana'a, Yemen. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1585-3770
  • Faten Thamer Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Sana'a University, Sana'a, Yemen. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6808-2917
  • Nedhal A. A. Al Selwi Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Sana'a University, Sana'a, Yemen.
  • Maher Ali Al Maqtari Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Sana'a University, Sana'a, Yemen.

Keywords:

Mechanochemical leaching, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and infrared (IR) spectroscopy, Yemeni sphalerite ores, Zinc.

Abstract

This study examined the mechanochemical leaching method for extracting zinc from Yemeni sphalerite ores, emphasizing both efficiency and environmental sustainability. As high-grade zinc ores decline, it is essential to develop cost-effective and ecofriendly extraction techniques. The research utilizes mechanical activation with a stirring ball mill using stainless steel or corundum balls, alkaline leaching (5 M NaOH at 90°C), and lead carbonate additives to improve zinc recovery. The ores were analyzed via X-ray diffraction (XRD) and infrared (IR) spectroscopy to confirm the presence of zinc in the dolomite samples. Zinc extraction was assessed using ICP-OES, with a calculated leaching efficiency of 0.7%. The study underscores Yemen's mineral potential, particularly in sphalerite-rich basalt rocks, and aims to optimize extraction processes while minimizing environmental impact. Results demonstrate that mechanochemical leaching surpasses traditional methods, presenting a viable approach for sustainable zinc production. These findings could enhance local mineral development and contribute to global zinc supply chains.

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Published

2026-04-10

How to Cite

Maresh, A., Kamel, A., Al Ashwal, A., Al Absi, D., Al Kebsi, G., Al Kebsi, H., Al Zuriqi, H., Essa, H., Al Moqbli, M., Abdan, O., Kamel, T., Jamil, Y. M., Thamer, F., Al Selwi, N. A. A., & Al Maqtari, M. A. (2026). Chemical Method for Zinc Separation from Ores: Mineral Potential of the Jabali Zinc Deposit from Yemen. International Journal of Nanotechnology and Allied Sciences, 10(1), 42–48. Retrieved from https://psmjournals.org/index.php/ijnas/article/view/960

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 1 (2026)

Section

Short Communications

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Copyright (c) 2026 PSM

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