Revisiting Pressure Acid Leaching of Seabed Polymetallic Nodules
摘要
Seabed polymetallic nodules, which contain significant quantities of metals key to electrification (nickel, cobalt, copper, and manganese), can be processed using a variety of different metallurgical processing routes, including direct smelting and subsequent hydrometallurgy, ammoniacal leaching (gas reduction or Cuprion), or acid leaching (often reductive). Many of these approaches suffer from reduced cobalt extraction, difficult physical performance, or just general overall circuit complexity. SGS has considered pressure acid leaching of nodules for further investigation, as publicly shared data on this processing route stems from the 1970s and 1980s and is not always easily accessible. This paper will detail the series of tests conducted and the results obtained (high Ni/Co/Cu recovery with limited Mn/Fe), as well as comment on the potential treatment options for the product solution and residue.