Studies on Processing of an Alnico Scrap

This paper presents the results of research and development work on processing of alnico scrap, a secondary resource of nickel and cobalt, generated during the manufacturing of alnico magnets. The scrap contains 8-10% nickel, 10-12% cobalt, 32-50% of iron, 8-10% aluminium, 2% copper and remaining silica. Various processes such as acid leaching, aqueous chlorine leaching, salt roasting and cupric chloride leaching were studied in detail. Of these cupric chloride leaching was found to be most effective with respect to recovery and purity. It has been possible to obtain pure nickel and cobalt salts by cupric chloride leaching of the scrap, solvent extraction and precipitation of the salts. The overall recovery by the above process was almost 99%.