Beneficiation of cobalt ores from Iron Creek, Idaho

XRT scan showing high-density (Co-rich,  in blue) and low-density (red) material in individual specimen.
XRT scan showing high-density (Co-rich, in blue) and low-density (red) material in individual specimen.

CMI researchers at Colorado School of Mines conducted the research for this highlight

Innovation
Upgrading of cobalt grade via sortation, flotation, and thermal decomposition.

Achievement

  • Implemented and verified XRT based coarse rock sortation techniques. 
  • Produced bulk cobalt concentrate analyzing at approximately 1.5% cobalt and >1% copper.
  • More than 90% of thermal decomposition in the pyrites contained in the flotation concentrates.
  • Decrease in the mass of flotation concentrates by more than 10% with an increase in copper and cobalt grades of almost 14%.

Significance and Impact

  • Establishing a sustainable domestic supply for cobalt to decrease reliance on imports for battery technologies.
  • Reduce the mass of the concentrates to be stored and transported.
  • Production of high-purity sulfur as a by-product.

Hub Target Addressed
Unlocking unconventional resources. Highly selective separation from complex sources.

Pyrite pyrolysis at different temperatures.
Pyrite pyrolysis at different temperatures.