Kinetics of nickel metal extraction from mixed hydroxide precipitates (MHP) using high-pressure carbonylation

This project investigates the extraction of the critical minerals nickel and cobalt using vapour metallurgy (or Mond process) from a material called mixed hydroxide precipitate (MHP), a common feed material for the refining process produced from laterite nickel ore. MHP contains both nickel and cobalt in different ratios depending on the feed material source. The Mond process is an old but overlooked process, mainly due to the highly toxic nature of intermediate products called carbonyls. Yet, there are few examples of safe handling of such carbonyls at industrial scale, and in terms of environmental impact the Mond process lends itself to a dry, closed loop processing, free of acids and liquid effluents, with relatively low energy requirements. Vapour Metallurgy Innovation Inc., the industrial partner, will provide the researchers with different MHP samples to be tested at different temperatures and pressures.

Faculty Supervisor:

Eric Croiset

Student:

Partner:

VMI

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Waterloo

Program: