Two-step, room-temperature method of leaching nickel from sulfides

This technology is a two-step method for leaching nickel from sulfides that can result in higher yield and improved production of nickel metal.

Unmet Need: An economical high-yield method for extracting nickel

Current methods of producing nickel involve processing concentrates containing nickel sulfides using smelters or autoclaves that require high temperatures and pressures with long residence times. These methods can result in low nickel yield, are prohibitive to nickel production, and have detrimental environmental impacts.

The Technology: Two-step method for leaching nickel for improved nickel production

This technology describes a two-step method for leaching nickel from sulfides. This process starts with a chemical reduction of the solid material, followed by an oxidation step. Both steps can be performed at reasonable temperatures and pressures. The resulting nickel in solution can be processed further to produce nickel metal or other nickel products, such as nickel-sulfates, that can be used for battery materials.

Applications:

• Leaching of nickel from sulfides
• Recovery of nickel-containing materials for recycling
• Removal of nickel contaminants
• Purification of mineral ores
• Extraction of other precious metals

Advantages:

• High-yield method of producing nickel
• Can be performed at reasonable temperatures and pressures
• Lower environmental impact
• Economical

Lead Inventor:

Alan West, Ph.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Pending

Related Publications:

Tech Ventures Reference:

• IR CU23369

• Licensing Contact: Dovina Qu