Abstract

A process for separating Co from Ni in an aqueous solution comprises subjecting the solution to extraction and using kinetic differences between Ni and Co in the extraction for achieving at least a partial separation of Co from Ni. This is effected by controlling the duration of the extraction so that a major portion of Co and a minor portion of Ni is extracted from the solution to produce a loaded extractant, enriched in Co and depleted in Ni compared to the feed solution, and a Co-depleted raffinate containing Ni. In a further embodiment, the invention utilizes kinetic differences between Ni and Co during striping for effecting separation of Ni and Co. The loaded extractant can be subjected to a bulk stripping or a selective stripping operation to obtain Co and Ni solutions from which Ni and Co can be recovered. The process may be incorporated in a hydrometallurgical process for the extraction of Ni and/or Co from an ore or concentrate containing Ni and Co.

IPC Classes  ?

• C02F 1/62 - Heavy metal compounds
• C22B 3/06 - Extraction of metal compounds from ores or concentrates by wet processes by leaching in inorganic acid solutions
• C22B 3/26 - Treatment or purification of solutions, e.g. obtained by leaching by liquid-liquid extraction using organic compounds
• C22B 3/40 - Mixtures
• C22B 23/00 - Obtaining nickel or cobalt

Abstract

A process for separating Co from Ni in an aqueous solution comprises subjecting the solution to extraction and using kinetic differences between Ni and Co in the extraction for achieving at least a partial separation of Co from Ni. This is effected by controlling the duration of the extraction so that a major portion of Co and a minor portion of Ni is extracted from the solution to produce a loaded extractant, enriched in Co and depleted in Ni compared to the feed solution, and a Co-depleted raffinate containing Ni. In a further embodiment, the invention utilizes kinetic differences between Ni and Co during striping for effecting separation of Ni and Co. The loaded extractant can be subjected to a bulk stripping or a selective stripping operation to obtain Co and Ni solutions from which Ni and Co can be recovered. The process may be incorporated in a hydrometallurgical process for the extraction of Ni and/or Co from an ore or concentrate containing Ni and Co.

IPC Classes  ?

• C22B 3/40 - Mixtures
• C01G 51/00 - Compounds of cobalt
• C01G 53/00 - Compounds of nickel
• C22B 23/00 - Obtaining nickel or cobalt
• C02F 1/62 - Heavy metal compounds

Abstract

A process for the extraction of a precious metal, such as gold or silver, from a sulphide ore or concentrate or other source material comprises subjecting the source material to pressure oxidation to produce a pressure oxidation slurry. The pressure oxidation slurry is flashed down to a lower temperature and pressure and is then subjected to a liquid/solid separation to obtain a pressure oxidation solution and a solid residue containing the precious metal. The solid residue is then subjected to cyanidation to extract the precious metal. The formation of thiocyanide during cyanidation is minimized or counteracted by effecting the cyanidation at an elevated oxygen pressure and a reduced retention time, such as 30 to 90 minutes. A method for the reduction of copper cyanide formation during cyanidation leaching is also provided.

IPC Classes  ?

• C22B 11/08 - Obtaining noble metals by cyaniding
• C22B 1/00 - Preliminary treatment of ores or scrap
• C22B 3/04 - Extraction of metal compounds from ores or concentrates by wet processes by leaching
• C22B 3/22 - Treatment or purification of solutions, e.g. obtained by leaching by physical processes, e.g. by filtration, by magnetic means
• C22B 3/24 - Treatment or purification of solutions, e.g. obtained by leaching by physical processes, e.g. by filtration, by magnetic means by adsorption on solid substances, e.g. by extraction with solid resins

Abstract

A process for the extraction of a precious metal, such as gold or silver, from a sulphide ore or concentrate or other source material comprises subjecting the source material to pressure oxidation to produce a pressure oxidation slurry. The pressure oxidation slurry is flashed down to a lower temperature and pressure and is then subjected to a liquid/solid separation to obtain a pressure oxidation solution and a solid residue containing the precious metal. The solid residue is then subjected to cyanidation to extract the precious metal. The formation of thiocyanide during cyanidation is minimized or counteracted by effecting the cyanidation at an elevated oxygen pressure and a reduced retention time, such as 30 to 90 minutes. A method for the reduction of copper cyanide formation during cyanidation leaching is also provided.

IPC Classes  ?

• C22B 1/00 - Preliminary treatment of ores or scrap
• C22B 3/04 - Extraction of metal compounds from ores or concentrates by wet processes by leaching
• C22B 3/22 - Treatment or purification of solutions, e.g. obtained by leaching by physical processes, e.g. by filtration, by magnetic means
• C22B 3/24 - Treatment or purification of solutions, e.g. obtained by leaching by physical processes, e.g. by filtration, by magnetic means by adsorption on solid substances, e.g. by extraction with solid resins
• C22B 11/08 - Obtaining noble metals by cyaniding

Abstract

A process for the extraction of a precious metal, such as gold or silver, from a sulphide ore or concentrate or other source material comprises subjecting the source material to pressure oxidation to produce a pressure oxidation slurry. The pressure oxidation slurry is flashed down to a lower temperature and pressure and is then subjected to a liquid/solid separation to obtain a pressure oxidation solution and a solid residue containing the precious metal. The solid residue is then subjected to cyanidation to extract the precious metal. The formation of thiocyanide during cyanidation is minimized or counteracted by effecting the cyanidation at an elevated oxygen pressure and a reduced retention time, such as 30 to 90 minutes. A method for the reduction of copper cyanide formation during cyanidation leaching is also provided.

IPC Classes  ?

• C22B 11/00 - Obtaining noble metals

Goods & Services

(1) Technical consulting and commercial services, namely cost estimation relating to the fields of geology, mining, metallurgy, chemistry and industrial plant design and construction, and all associated engineering disciplines thereof. (2) Technical consulting and commercial services, namely engineering, supervision, installation, commissioning and management services, relating to the fields of geology, mining, metallurgy, chemistry and industrial plant design and construction, and all associated engineering disciplines thereof.