Publication on electrochemical leaching process developed by CMI

An economic assessment of the dissolution unit step was compared to other dissolution chemistries and found that the OPEX was lower while having a greater CAPEX.
An economic assessment of the dissolution unit step was compared to other dissolution chemistries and found that the operating expense (OPEX) was lower while having a greater capital expenditure (CAPEX).

CMI scientists at Idaho National Laboratory contributed to this research.

Achievement

The results of electrochemical leach process (EC Leach) developed by CMI project 3.1.11 were formulated into a paper recently accepted (April 17, 2020) by the journal Resources, Conservation & Recycling. 

Significance and impact

  • Produces a concentrated metal leachate (high pulp density)
  • Chemical use greatly reduced with mediated reductant
  • Process has a lower OPEX but greater CAPEX compared to purely chemical processes
  • Other co-products are graphite and copper

Details and next steps

  • Incorporate results into a comprehensive model to assess economics
  • Continue development of metal recovery methods
  • Revise cell design for larger feed (60 g/day currently)
The process developed by CMI has a lower operating expense (OPEX) but greater capital expense (CAPEX) compared to purely chemical processes.
The process developed by CMI has a lower operating expense (OPEX) but greater capital expense (CAPEX) compared to purely chemical processes.