Smelting-rusting-solvent extraction process to recover valuable metals from polymetallic nodules

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Smelting-rusting-solvent extraction process to recover valuable metals from polymetallic nodules

Zhong, Xiang / He, Zequan / Shen, Yujun / Mao, Yongjun / Qu, Shuguang / Li, Xianbai

The metallurgical principles and technology process details on the smelting-rusting-solvent extraction method to recover valuable metals from ocean polymetallic nodules have been given in this paper. The small scale and large scale tests were carried out to extract Ni, Co, Cu, Mn & Fe from the nodules. The totals metals recoveries in whole process of small scale test from nodule ore to the products(electrolytic copper, electrolytic nickel, Mn-rich slag and manganese carbonate, cobalt oxide and iron red) are(%) Cu 94.21, Co 95.23, Ni 96.49, Mn 97.68 and Fe 96.16. The recoveries of metals in the large scale test from nodule ore to related products(Mn-Si alloy, rusting solution and ferric oxide) are(%) Cu 94.52, Co 96.57, Ni 96.56, Mn 81.90 and Fe 99.57. The results obtained show that the advantages of the method are short flowsheet, low energy consumption, high recoveries of valuable metals, high comprehensive utilization of mineral resources and less pollution.