David A Neudorf

Title: David A Neudorf: Innovator in Nickel and Cobalt Recovery

Introduction

David A Neudorf is a notable inventor based in Reno, NV (US), recognized for his contributions to the field of hydrometallurgy. He holds 4 patents that focus on innovative processes for the recovery of nickel and cobalt from laterite ores. His work has significant implications for the mining and metallurgy industries.

Latest Patents

One of Neudorf's latest patents is titled "Atmospheric leach process for the recovery of nickel and cobalt from limonite and saprolite ores." This hydrometallurgical process allows for the leaching of nickeliferous laterite ores at temperatures below the boiling point and at atmospheric pressure. The process involves contacting the high iron fraction of the laterite, known as limonite, with concentrated sulfuric acid to dissolve iron and nickel into solution. A reducing agent is utilized to maintain the redox potential in solution, enhancing cobalt dissolution while preventing the reduction of ferric iron. The leach slurry is further mixed with sodium, potassium, or ammonium to form iron jarosite at ambient pressure. The resulting acid from iron hydrolysis is neutralized with the low iron fraction of the laterite ore, saprolite, allowing for the dissolution of nickel into solution. The final leach slurry can then be treated using conventional methods to recover nickel and cobalt.

Another significant patent is the "Method for leaching nickeliferous laterite ores." This process provides a method for leaching both the limonite and saprolite fractions of typical nickel and cobalt-bearing laterite ore. The low magnesium fraction of the laterite ore is leached with sulfuric acid at high pressure and temperature to solubilize metal values while precipitating most of the solubilized iron as hematite or other iron compounds. After reducing the pressure of the leach slurry to atmospheric pressure, the pregnant leach slurry is contacted with the high magnesium fraction of the ore to solubilize most of the nickel contained in it. This innovative process does not require high temperature and pressure, special treatment of the saprolite ore fraction, or the addition of special reagents.

Career Highlights

David A Neudorf is currently employed at BHP Minerals International Inc., where he continues to develop and refine his innovative processes. His work has contributed to advancements in the efficient recovery