Metallurgy of Cobalt Production From Cupriferous Pyrite

Abstract

Japanese wartime economy demanded domestic cobalt production. This paper describes a process operated for two years at the Besshi mine and smelter on extremely low grade (0.1 pet Co) pyrite concentrates obtained from copper ore. The steps in the process were roasting, leaching, precipitation, reduction fusion to crude cobalt, and finally refining by electrolysis to 99+ pet.