NICKEL AND/OR COBALT RECOVERY METHOD (OPTIONS) Russian patent published in 2001 - IPC

FIELD: nonferrous metallurgy. SUBSTANCE: method involves ore or concentrate oxidation stage performed at pressure in presence of oxygen and acidic solution containing halide, copper, and sulfate ions to form nickel- and cobalt-containing lye from oxidation product suspension. Lye is treated by selective precipitation to give solid product containing nickel and cobalt hydroxide. Nickel and cobalt are leached out of solid product with ammonia solution into nickel- and cobalt-containing solution. The two metals are then separated from each other by extraction with solvent. Nickel and cobalt are isolated from their solutions electrochemically. Precious metals and other metals such as copper are recovered in similar manner. EFFECT: reduced operational and energetic expenses. 73 cl, 5 dwg, 1 tbl, 2 ex