Solvent extraction in the process of metal separation

n the hydro metallurgical processing; of ores and concentrates, the desiredmetals are leached in the
suitable lixiviants Ionviog undesired f{nnguo in the
residue. The leach solution ol)LuiIIed is purified before
metal separation and recovery. The commercially available organic extractants such as hydroxyoximes,hydroxyquinoline
substituted phosphoric acid, tertiary amine, etc have been used for the recovery of metals from acidic and alkaline
s o l u t ion s containing copper, nickel, and cobalt,
zinc, chromium, tungsten etc. The applicability of
tailor made extractants a v a i I a b 1 e commercially is
described for the purification and enrichment of the
metal contents of the lean solutions. The treatment
procedures of solutions so obtained for producing metals in the desired forms by crystallization or electrowinning,
are highlighted.