Method for the optimisation of feed for downstream processing
AssigneeiGo, Inc.
InventorsChristopher Brett Ward, Christopher John Carr, Karel John Osten
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method for the optimisation of feed for downstream processing includes passing a sulphide ore concentrate to a first leach step, in which a leach discharge slurry is produced, passing an intermediate product to a second leach step, in which a pregnant leach solution is produced, and combining the leach discharge slurry of the fist leach step with the intermediate product in the second leach step. Residual acid generated in the first leach step is used to leach the intermediate product in the second leach step and provides the pregnant leach solution containing one or more target metals.
Claims31
-38. (canceled)
A method for the optimisation of feed for downstream processing, the method comprising the method steps of:
- (a) passing a sulphide ore concentrate containing nickel and cobalt to a first leach step comprising a high temperature pressure oxidative leach, in which is produced a leach discharge slurry and a residual acid;
- (b) passing an intermediate product comprising nickel and cobalt to a second leach step, in which is produced a pregnant leach solution;
- and
- (c) combining the leach discharge slurry of step (i) with the mixed hydroxide precipitate of step (ii) in the second leach step,
- wherein the residual acid generated in the first leach step is used to leach the intermediate product in the second leach step and provides a pregnant leach solution containing one or more of nickel and cobalt.
A method for the optimisation of feed for downstream processing, the method comprising the following method steps:
- (a) leaching an ore or concentrate containing nickel and cobalt at a first site to produce a pregnant leach solution containing one or more target metals of nickel and/or cobalt;
- (b) passing the pregnant leach solution to one or more impurity removal steps to precipitate iron and aluminium and thereby produce an at least partially purified product;
- (c) crystallising an intermediate product from the at least partially purified product from step (ii), wherein the intermediate product comprises an intermediate metal sulphate, an intermediate nickel sulphate and/or an intermediate cobalt sulphate;
- (d) transporting the intermediate product from step (iii) to a second site located remotely from the first site;
- and
- (e) conducting downstream processing of the intermediate product from step (iii) at the second site comprising one or more further impurity removal steps.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.