Write the essay base on the extraction of nickel and cobalt from its mineral ore. Provide also citation and reference .

Answer 1

Extraction of Nickel and Cobalt from Mineral Ore

Nickel and cobalt are valuable metals that play a crucial role in various industries such as aerospace, automotive, energy, and electronics. These metals are primarily extracted from their mineral ores, which are found in abundance in different parts of the world. The extraction process involves several steps, including mining, concentration, and refining, to obtain pure and commercially viable nickel and cobalt.

One of the commonly utilized methods for extracting nickel and cobalt is through hydrometallurgical processes. These processes involve the use of acidic solutions to dissolve the metals from their mineral ores. The acid leaching technique is usually employed to facilitate the extraction of nickel and cobalt from their sulfide ores, such as pentlandite and carrollite.

In the initial step, the mineral ore is mined using conventional methods such as open-pit or underground mining. The ore is then crushed and ground to a fine powder for further processing. Subsequently, the crushed ore is subjected to a concentration process called flotation. In this process, chemicals and air bubbles are introduced to the ore slurry, which result in the attachment of the valuable nickel and cobalt minerals to the bubbles. These mineral-rich bubbles are then skimmed off the top and further processed.

The next stage is the pressure acid leaching (PAL), where the mineral concentrate is subjected to high-pressure and high-temperature conditions. This process dissolves the nickel and cobalt present in the mineral concentrate, leaving behind unwanted impurities. The resulting solution, known as pregnant leach solution (PLS), is then further purified.

To separate nickel from cobalt in the PLS, various extraction techniques such as solvent extraction are employed. Solvent extraction involves the use of an organic solvent that selectively extracts nickel and cobalt from the PLS. The organic solvent containing the metal ions is then stripped, releasing the metals, which are then processed to obtain pure nickel and cobalt compounds.

One of the examples of an industrial scale extraction process for nickel and cobalt is the Sherritt-Gordon process. The Sherritt-Gordon process is based on pressure acid leaching and solvent extraction techniques, and it has been successfully used in various nickel and cobalt extraction projects worldwide (Tuck & Verbaan, 2002).

In conclusion, the extraction of nickel and cobalt from their mineral ores is a complex process involving various steps such as mining, concentration, and refining. Hydrometallurgical processes, such as pressure acid leaching and solvent extraction, are commonly used to extract these valuable metals. The Sherritt-Gordon process is one example of an industrial-scale extraction process that has been widely employed. The extraction of nickel and cobalt is essential for meeting the increasing global demand for these metals in various sectors.

References:

Tuck, G., & Verbaan, M. (2002). Hydrometallurgical recovery of nickel and cobalt from laterite leach tailings. Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 102(12), 717-721.