Investigation of Ni and Co recovery from leach solutions by solid ion exchange resins

Traditional pyrometallurgical processing of nickel and cobalt ores is no longer environmentally acceptable nor economically viable with the increasingly important proportion of low-grade and ?dirty? concentrates. Hydrometallurgical alternatives are increasingly being considered unless carried out under extreme conditions. This study includes the resin-in-leach (RIL) technology which will enable more efficient and selective removal and recovery process to be developed, optimized and controlled. In this study, commercial resins Purolite S-930 and Purolite S-950 was used. Recovery of nickel and cobalt from aqueous solutions by chelating resins was investigated by batch and continuous processes. Optimum pH range and resin amount were investigated by several batch studies for two type chelating resins. Selectivity tests were done in the presence of manganese, aluminium, iron competing ions. The performance of nickel removal was effected by competing ions. Kinetic test were performed by both Purolite S-930 and Purolite S-950. The data obtained from kinetic studies were applied to the various kinetic models. Column performance of the Purolite S-950 was investigated with continuous studies. Breakthrough capacity of Purolite S-950 for nickel was found beter than cobalt removal. The complete elution of nickel and cobalt were performed by using 4 molar sulphuric acid solution.