Solvent Extraction Solutions for Hydrometallurgy
Solvent extraction is a key step in hydrometallurgical processes used for the concentration and purification of target metals such as copper. The world’s largest mining operations use Syensqo's solvent extractants to enable the recovery of key metals like copper, lithium, cobalt from nickel, molybdenum and rare earths, meeting growing demand for the materials that power our daily lives.
Syensqo's extractants serve vital functions during solvent extraction, such as improving phase transfer rates and selectivity, ensuring higher organic quality, reducing crud formation, and protecting against extractant losses due to nitration and oxidation.
At Syensqo, we offer a complete package— reagents, application support, technical service and modeling capabilities—to help solvent extraction operations maximize stripping and chemical extraction processes in even the most complex scenarios.
Syensqo's Solvent Extraction Portfolio
Syensqo's product lines for solvent extraction include:
- The ACORGA® range of oxime-based copper extractants, which has a proven track record in the industry for optimizing metallurgical performance relative to ketoxime-based extractants. ACORGA® products increase copper transfer and are known to remove solids at faster processing rates.
- CYANEX® extractants, which enable the recovery of various metals such as nickel, cobalt, molybdenum and more. In addition to primary mining applications, CYANEX® is also used to recover metals from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries, such as those found in electric vehicles.
Copper
Optimal copper extraction requires a robust reagent scheme that will provide maximum metallurgical outcomes. ACORGA® extractants are specifically designed for copper-bearing ores, with a range of grades available to address challenges such as crud formation, nitrating conditions and oxidizing conditions.
Nickel and Cobalt
Nickel and cobalt extraction from sulfur-containing ores requires selective reagents. CYANEX® 272 extractants are used to produce a significant percentage of the world’s cobalt, and are employed in the separation of nickel and cobalt from magnesium and manganese.
Lithium
Alternative processes to evaporation such as direct lithium extraction (DLE) are gaining attention in the production of lithium from brines. Among them, solvent extraction is one of the most promising technologies. CYANEX® 936P is an extractant specially formulated for lithium solvent extraction and is highly efficient in meeting growing demand for this critical metal. Learn more about our lithium offer.
Rare Earths
Syensqo is an active participant in the rare earth market, particularly in the separation of heavy rare earths. CYANEX® 572 improves the traditional profiles of extractants used for rare earths and allows for efficient stripping operations with lower acid concentrations.
