Mineral processing of cobalt-rich ferromanganese crust and nodules.

Experimental results from previous investigations on gravity separation of cobalt-containing manganese nodules and crusts are reviewed. Observations and analysis of specimens from 10 different locations show that the liberation ratio of crushed product is high even at the coarse 0.5 to 4 mm fraction. If the less dense substrate rock or nucleus on which the crust/nodules form is removed with high separation efficiency, the separation product conforms to the requirement of the subsequent smelting process. Air table separation was used as a dry method and jig separation as a wet method. High grades with high recoveries were obtained for both methods.
Experimental results from previous investigations on gravity separation of cobalt-containing manganese nodules and crusts are reviewed. Observations and analysis of specimens from 10 different locations show that the liberation ratio of crushed product is high even at the coarse 0.5 to 4 mm fraction. If the less dense substrate rock or nucleus on which the crust/nodules form is removed with high separation efficiency, the separation product conforms to the requirement of the subsequent smelting process. Air table separation was used as a dry method and jig separation as a wet method. High grades with high recoveries were obtained for both methods.