Development of the Selective Acid Leach (SAL) to refine Mixed Ni-Co Hydroxide Precipitate (MHP)

Speaker:  Associate Professor James Vaughan, Head of the Hydrometallurgy Research Group, School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland

Abstract:  Mixed nickel-cobalt hydroxide precipitate (MHP) is a relatively recent intermediate product in primary nickel production (1997). Conventional refining of MHP involves leaching the majority of the elements into solution and using solvent extraction for key separations such as for nickel from cobalt. In 2011, a selective acid leach (SAL) was devised by the UQ hydrometallurgy research group which has distinct advantages in terms of process efficiency and environmental impact. The technology was patented and licensed to Pure Battery Technologies, a Brisbane based start-up, and has now been commercialised. The next steps in research and development are briefly discussed.

Bio:  Associate Professor James Vaughan is head of the Hydrometallurgy Research Group within the School of Chemical Engineering at The University of Queensland. He obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering at McGill University followed by Master of Applied Science and PhD degrees in Materials Engineering at The University of British Columbia. Before joining UQ, James gained experience as a research engineer in metallurgical process development with Placer Dome (gold) and BHP (nickel).