Recovery of cobalt from kure flotation plant tailings

In this study, it is aimed to recover cobalt by using tailings of Eti Bakır Inc. Küre flotation plant. It was determined that the tailings contain 0.17% Co and 17.27% Fe. In the first stage, flotation tests were carried out by using the sample taken from the tailings. In these tests, effects of pH and pH conditioning time, then type, amount and conditioning time of depressant, collector and frother on Co grade and recovery were investigated. According to the rougher flotation test results, the concentrate was obtained with 0.46% Co grade and 84.15% recovery. In the concentrate obtained by cleaner flotation tests, the Co grade was increased to 0.49%. In the second stage, agitation leaching tests were carried out in acidic medium using the concentrate obtained from the cleaner flotation tests. In leaching tests, effects of stirring speed, HNO3 concentration, temperature and particle size on Co dissolution recovery were investigated. According to these test results, dissolution recovery of cobalt increased with increasing stirring speed, HNO3 concentration and temperature. As the particle size decreased, 100% Co dissolution recovery was achieved in a shorter time.