The Concentration of Nickel and Cobalt from Agios Ioannis Laterites by Multi-Gravity Separator

Asbolane is a secondary source of cobalt (Co) and manganese (Mn), essential for battery and alloy production. Enhancing the utilization of low-grade ores, typically containing ~1.2% Co and 14.7% Mn, is vital for conserving high-grade resources. However, fine grinding for such ores presents challenges for conventional gravity separation. This study investigates the effectiveness of the Multi-Gravity Separator (MGS) in processing finely disseminated asbolane ore from Agios Ioannis, Greece. The study was conducted at the Mineral Processing Laboratory of UPC/Bases Manresa. Two size fractions, D80 (−100 +50 µm and −50 µm), were tested under varying drum speeds, tilt angles, and wash water flows. Response surface methodology (RSM) was implemented using Python-optimized (version 3.15) process parameters. The results demonstrate that a concentrate with 2.6% Co and 32.5% Mn can be obtained, achieving 82.1% Co recovery. Independent and multi-objective optimizations confirm MGS as a viable method for recovering Co and Mn from complex low-grade ores, with reduced overgrinding-related energy losses essential for production. The study aimed to implement and enhance low-grade asbolane ore from a feed containing 2.6% Co and 32.5% Mn. Variables were optimized with a multi-objective target, demonstrating their effectiveness.