Solvent extraction of cobalt at a glance

There are a variety of treatment options for metal recovery that utilize physical, chemical and electrochemical techniques such as chemical precipitation, solvent extraction (SX), ion exchange (IX), oxidation-precipitation and electrowinning. The present paper covers a number of cobalt solvent extraction and recovery methods and some critical comments are given in each case. The solvent extraction method is regarded as the main processing route and is focused on it extensively for its key role in the cobalt extraction industry. General cobalt extractants have been discussed and the common advantages/disadvantages of SX-based plants and developed methods like CSIRO DSX process have been listed.

1. Introduction
Cobalt is one of the metals of high economic and strategic importance, largely because of its wide range of applications and dwindling supplies. Several hydrometallurgical processes have been developed and used to extract cobalt from various sources. Secondary cobalt is recovered from spent catalysts, alloy scraps, zinc plant residues, sludges, dusts, etc. In all cases, cobalt is associated with some other impurities such as Cu, Ni, Fe, Mn, Ca, etc.; depending on the source. The hydrometallurgical processing is very effective for treating such materials because it can control...

Related articles:

Issue 06/2009 TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS

Recycling of modern batteries

Part 1: Processing of nickel-metal-hydrite batteries

1 Introduction The distribution of modern technical communication devices has developed at an explosive rate in recent years. Progressing miniaturization and growing consumer needs were the driving...

more
Issue 07-08/2012

More extract from solids

New process including equipment to increase the efficiency of the ­treatment of very fine solids in counterflow liquids

1?Introduction The continuous treatment of solids with liquids in counterflow in a vessel is a widespread field of process engineering. These are processes such as chemical reactions, the extraction...

more
Issue 10/2009 TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS

Effective separated

Recycling of modern batteries Part 2: Processing of lithium-ion batteries

1 Processing Li-Ion Batteries 1.1 Current situation Of the more than 250 battery manufacturers known worldwide, at least around 80 companies are engaged in the production of Li batteries [2]. In the...

more
Issue 11/2022 Gold Mining in Peru

Dewatering of neutralized acidic sludges

Flottweg decanters are multitalented in the mining industry, especially in the processing of ore, which plays a major role in the extraction of precious metals. For example, Flottweg’s decanter...

more
Issue 05/2011

Safety first in mining

Renaissance of heap leaching for valuable metals

1?Introduction Heap leaching is the term used for hydrometallurgical extraction processes in which crushed and ground ore is heaped up and then sprayed with an aqueous chemical solution in order to...

more