Reduction method for separating metal values from ocean floor nodule ore

摘要

This invention provides a process for obtaining the metal values from ocean floor nodule ore. The ore comprises primarily oxides of iron and manganese plus nickel, copper and cobalt compounds. The ore is treated with an acidic reagent, e.g., sulfur dioxide in the presence of oxygen, to form the water-soluble sulfates of manganese, nickel, copper and cobalt. The reacted ore is leached with water and the resultant leach solution is treated by liquid ion exchange processes to form separate solutions of each of nickel, copper, cobalt and manganese salts. These salts can then be cathodically reduced to form the respective metals.