Separation of Metals from Sulfated Deep-Sea Ferromanganese Nodules by Adsorbing Colloid Flotation

Abstract
Adsorbing colloid flotation (ACF) is applied to aqueous leach solutions of sulfated deep-sea ferromanganese nodules and their process tailings. Metal cations of Cu, Co, Ni, Mn, Al, and Zn are separated simultaneously by flotation with hydroxide collectors and cationic surfactants from the leach liquors of sulfated ferromanganese nodules. Applications of ACF to the nodule tailings also makes possible the recovery of residual Cu, Co, Ni, Ti, Zn, Al, Fe, Mn, and the separation of Pb and V, the most abundant toxic species in the nodules and tailings.