Cobalt Extraction Mechanisms

Cobalt (Co) is a potentially critical mineral. Most of its extraction is associated with a by-product of other mineral species such as copper, nickel and manganese, where it is a fundamental piece for activities that have increased their development in recent times such as electromobility, industrial and military applications. The cobalt minerals of interest for industrial production are reduced and can be in the form of sulfates, carbonates, arsenates, sulfides, arsenides, selenides and oxides. Its processing is of a moderate cost, being the mixed processes (pyro-hydrometallurgical) the most used. In addition, it is important to mention that cobalt dissolves at a low oxidation potential and low pH, which facilitates its processing.