摘要 |
<p>The invention provides a hydrometallurgical process for the recovery of metals. In particular, an aqueous feed solution originating from acid leachin g is provided. The aqueous feed solution contains nickel and/or cobalt ions. The pH o f the solution is maintained at a level between about 2 and 6. The aqueous feed solution is contacted with a water-immiscible organic phase containing an extrac tant to load the nickel and/or cobalt metal ions to form a metal-bearing organic phas e. The extractant has at least one organic soluble dithiophosphinic acid, alkali, a lkaline earth metal or ammonium salt thereof. The aqueous feed solution has sufficiently low levels of chromium (VI) ions, iron (III) ions and copper ions to allow repea ted use of the extractant. The metal-bearing organic phase is then separated from th e metal-containing aqueous feed solution. Finally, after separation from the aqueo us feed solution, the metal-bearing organic phase is contacted with an aqueous stri p solution to recover the loaded nickel and/or cobalt from the metal-bearing organ ic phase.</p> |