TECHNOLOGIES FOR OBTAINING MANGANESE SULFATE FROM MINERALS ADAPTED TO THE CUBAN CONTEXT

Abstract

Introduction:
Manganese sulfate (MnSO₄) is a compound of high commercial value, essential for the production of agricultural fertilizers. In Cuba, there is availability of manganese-bearing minerals, as well as a growing need to develop domestic inputs for the agro-industrial sector.
Objective:
To analyze the main technological routes for producing MnSO₄ from minerals, and evaluate their possible adaptation to the Cuban context.
Materials and Methods:
A bibliographic review was conducted using databases such as ScienceDirect and google scholar. Analysis–synthesis and induction–deduction methods were applied to process information on minerals, metallurgical processes, and operational variables.
Results and Discussion:
Pyrolusite was identified as the most relevant oxidized mineral and is abundant in Cuban deposits. A comparative analysis of technological routes showed that hydrometallurgy, through acid leaching with reducing agents, is the most promising alternative due to its high efficiency, selectivity, lower energy requirements, and flexibility for small and medium scales. Critical process variables and various reducing agents were analyzed. The use of organic reductants, such as sawdust available locally as an agro-industrial by-product, emerges as an economically and environmentally attractive alternative.
Conclusions:
The hydrometallurgical route, using reducing agents of national origin, represents the most viable technological alternative for manganese sulfate production in Cuba, enabling the use of national mineral resources and promoting sustainable industrial development.