Systems and methods for recovery of cobalt metal and ionic cobalt

Abstract

Various embodiments provide a method comprising electrowinning a first portion of a conditioned cobalt bearing solution to yield cobalt metal, subjecting a second portion of a conditioned cobalt bearing solution to a first ion exchange to yield a second conditioned cobalt bearing solution, performing cobalt selective solution extraction on the second conditioned cobalt bearing solution to yield a refined cobalt containing liquid and, precipitating a cobalt salt by adding a precipitating agent to a first portion of the refined cobalt containing liquid.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates, generally, to systems and methods for recovering metal values from metal-bearing materials, and more specifically, to systems and methods for recovering cobalt in the forms of metallic cobalt and / or ionic cobalt.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Cobalt is an industrially important element that may be used in various catalysts, dyes, alloys, inks, battery additives, and other industrially beneficial products. Cobalt may be found in nature in a variety of forms and in a variety of ores. Cobalt containing ores include cobaltite, heterogenite (CoOOH), erythrite, glaucodot, and skutterudite. As found in nature, cobalt often exists in an oxidation state other than zero. For example, cobalt is often found in the form of cobalt II and cobalt III. Cobalt metal is commercially saleable, though purified forms of cobalt II and / or cobalt III, such as those in a salt form, are also commercially saleable.[0003]In conventional processes, cobalt ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides systems and methods for metal value recovery, such as cobalt recovery, which involves electrowinning cobalt metal from a solution and then selectively extracting it using ion exchange. The refined cobalt containing liquid is then injected into a precipitation vessel to form a cobalt salt. The technical effects include improved methods for recycling and recovery of cobalt from waste materials, reducing environmental pollution and promoting sustainability.

Problems solved by technology

In conventional processes, cobalt containing materials precipitated with magnesium oxide (MgO) and subsequently leached tend to be difficult to filter.

In addition, large volumes of aqueous solution are typically employed.

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