On the cobalt content upgrade in nickeliferous laterites using iron (III) sulfate : a study based on thermodynamics simulations.
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Date
2022
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Abstract
Nickel (Ni) and cobalt (Co) are relevant technological metals for the future of the lithium-ion
battery (LIB) industry. Based on the current and projected demand for these, an increased interest in
developing processing routes to exploit lateritic occurrences has been observed, as these are reported
as critical raw materials for future mineral–metallurgical industry. However, the content of Ni and Co
in such ores is minimal and requires impracticable mineral-processing operations for concentration
before metal extraction. It was identified that information regarding the sulfation roasting of this
material is scarce on what concerns the iron sulfates interaction as a function of the temperature. Based
on that context, the present work has its purposes associated with the proposition of an alternative
chemical pretreatment to upgrade the content of metals of technological interest in lateritic ores
through a simple roast–leach process. Thus, the chemical interactions between the mineral sample
and iron (III) sulfate (Fe2
(SO4
)3
) through thermodynamic simulations and experimental procedures
were explored. The latter included specific water leaching practices for the selective concentration of
metals. The equilibrium calculations indicate that Fe2
(SO4
)3 and FeSO4
tend to decompose at lower
temperatures, and considering the higher stability of other metal sulfates, it could be an interesting
reagent in this type of process. Regarding the experimental results, the characterization of materials
indicates a recovery of Co as high as 73.4 wt.% after sulfation roasting at 500 ◦C followed by water
leaching, with the full content of Iron (Fe) being reported in the insoluble phase. Based on these
findings, the present development could be an interesting alternative to consider within operations
for the chemical upgrade of cobalt in such types of mineralogical occurrences.
Description
Keywords
Metal sulfates, Roast-leach, Nickeliferous laterites, Cobalt metallurgy
Citation
SOUZA, R. F. M. de et al. On the cobalt content upgrade in nickeliferous laterites using iron (III) sulfate: a study based on thermodynamics simulations. Minerals, v. 12, n. 9, artigo 1156, set. 2022. Disponível em: <https://www.mdpi.com/2075-163X/12/9/1156>. Acesso em: 15 mar. 2023.