Abstract:
India is currently establishing a 500 kg/d processing plant to treat ocean nodules. The plant is mainly based on the process developed by Regional Research Laboratory, Bhubaneswar, and Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai. It envisages reducing nodule in aqueous Nth -SO2 solution, followed by solvent extraction of copper, pre-concentration of Ni and Co as sulphide, dissolution of mixed Ni and Co sulphides, and finally solvent extraction of Co to produce both Ni and Co as metals While the plant is being erected, the research activities are continuing to improve process parameters, and to establish the use of secondary and by-products generated by the process. This paper highlights the process being tested, problem areas requiring special attention, and activities to develop technologies to treat the waste and by-products.