Extraction of cobalt from tailings from a copper mining project in Colombia

This study assesses the technical feasibility of cobalt recovery from tailings generated at a volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposit in northern Colombia, historically mined for copper with gold as a byproduct. Recent geochemical analyses revealed cobalt concentrations ranging from 450 to 480 ppm in both polymetallic concentrates and tailings. Geostatistical modeling (ordinary kriging), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) were applied for elemental and mineralogical characterization. Results showed a strong correlation between cobalt and iron (R = 0.73), indicating an association with pyrite, pyrrhotite, and magnetite. Metallurgical tests included magnetic separation, roasting, and flotation, with flotation yielding the best results using Aerofloat 208, Aerofloat 31, and copper sulfate as activator. Cobalt concentrations up to 2,195 ppm were recorded in tailings, highlighting the potential for metal recovery. The study concludes that cobalt can be efficiently recovered as a byproduct within the main copper concentrate, supporting the valorization of mining residues and promoting circular economy and sustainable mining practices.