Electroleaching of polymetallic ocean nodules to recover copper, nickel and cobalt

Kumari, A and Natarajan, KA (2001) Electroleaching of polymetallic ocean nodules to recover copper, nickel and cobalt. In: Minerals Engineering, 14 (18). pp. 877-886.

PDF ELECTROLEACHING_OF_POLYMETALLIC.pdf - Published Version Restricted to Registered users only Download (663kB) | Request a copy

Abstract

The key for successful and efficient dissolution of copper, nickel and cobalt from ocean nodules depends on prior reduction of the manganese and ferric oxides with which the above valuable nonferrous metals are interlocked. We have shown that through the application of negative reduction potential or DC current, significant reduction of manganic and iron oxides in the ocean nodules can be achieved, thus liberating the occluded copper, nickel and cobalt for easy dissolution in an acid medium. Polarization studies using a slurry electrode system indicated that maximum dissolution of iron and manganese due to electrochemical reduction occurred at negative DC potentials of -600mV(SCE) and -1400mV(SCE). Electroleaching of the ocean nodules at the above negative applied DC potentials resulted in significant dissolution of copper, nickel and cobalt in IM H2SO4.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Publication:	Minerals Engineering
Publisher:	Elsevier Science
Additional Information:	Copyright of this article belongs to Elsevier Science.
Keywords:	Electrometallurgy;hydrometallurgy;reduction;leaching;redox reactions.
Department/Centre:	Division of Mechanical Sciences > Materials Engineering (formerly Metallurgy)
Date Deposited:	03 Jun 2009 04:46
Last Modified:	19 Sep 2010 04:54
URI:	http://eprints.iisc.ac.in/id/eprint/16875

Actions (login required)

View Item