Extractive Metallurgy of Nickel, Cobalt and Platinum Group Metals

This book describes and explains the methods by which three related ores and recyclables are made into high purity metals and chemicals, for materials processing. It focuses on present day processes and future developments rather than historical processes.

Nickel, cobalt and platinum group metals are key elements for materials processing. They occur together in one book because they (i) map together on the periodic table (ii) occur together in many ores and (iii) are natural partners for further materials processing and materials manufacturing. They all are, for example, important catalysts – with platinum group metals being especially important for reducing car and truck emissions. Stainless steels and CoNiFe airplane engine super alloys are examples of practical usage.

The product emphasises a sequential, building-block approach to the subject gained through the author’s previous writings (particularly Extractive Metallurgy of Copper in four editions) and extensive experience. Due to the multiple metals involved and because each metal originates in several types of ore – e.g. tropical ores and arctic ores this necessitates a multi-contributor work drawing from multiple networks and both engineering and science.

Synthesizes detailed review of the fundamental chemistry and physics of extractive metallurgy with practical lessons from industrial consultancies at the leading international plantsDiscusses Nickel, Cobalt and Platinum Group Metals for the first time in one bookReviews extraction of multiple metals from the same tropical or arctic oreIndustrial, international and multidisciplinary focus on current standards of production supports best practice use of industrial resources

Overview; Nickel Occurrence, Production, Use and Price; Production of Ferronickel and Nickel from Laterite Ore – Ore Upgrading; Smelting Laterite Concentrates to Ferronickel – Dewatering and Calcination/Reduction; Smelting Laterite Concentrates to Ferronickel – Electric Furnace Reduction/Melting; Refining Ferronickel; Smelting Laterite Concentrates to Sulfide Matte; Roasting Ni Matte to Oxide and Metal; Capture of SO₂ as Sulfuric Acid; Hydrometallurgy of Laterite ores – Overview and High Temperature Sulfuric Acid Leaching; Solid/Liquid Separation; Solution Purification and Sulfide Precipitation; Extraction of Nickel from Sulfide ores – Introduction and Concentrate Production; Smelting Sulfide Concentrates – Introduction and Electric Furnace Smelting; Flash Smelting Ni Sulfide Concentrates; Oxidizing Molten Smelting Furnace Matte (Converting); Separation of Matte into Three Phases; Carbonyl Refining of Impure Ni Metal; Hydrometallurgical Production of High Purity Nickel from Ni Sulfide Intermediates; Co/Ni Separation and Solution Purification; Electrowinning and H₂ Reduction of Nickel and Cobalt; Cobalt Occurrence, Production, Use and Price; Extraction of Cobalt from Sulfide Ores; Extraction of Cobalt from Laterite Ores; Extraction of Cobalt from Central African Co-Cu Ores; Platinum Group Metal Occurrence, Production, Use and Price; Production of Pt Sulfide Concentrates; Smelting Pt Concentrates to Matte; Preparing Pt Refinery Feed from Matte; Pt Group Metal Refining; Recycling of Nickel, Cobalt and Platinum Group Metals. Appendices A Metal Properties; B Stoichiometric Data; C Thermodynamic Data; D Minor processes – e.g. Moroccan Arsenic Ore Processing