Loren Data's SAM Daily™

SAMDAILY.US - ISSUE OF JUNE 11, 2025 SAM #8598
SPECIAL NOTICE

68 -- Electrochemical Arsenic Immobilization for Sustainable Cobalt Production

Notice Date

6/9/2025 1:29:26 PM
 

Notice Type

Special Notice
 

NAICS

325180 — Other Basic Inorganic Chemical Manufacturing
 

Contracting Office

BATTELLE ENERGY ALLIANCE�DOE CNTR Idaho Falls ID 83415 USA
 

ZIP Code

83415
 

Solicitation Number

BA-1410-2
 

Response Due

7/9/2025 8:00:00 AM
 

Archive Date

07/24/2025
 

Point of Contact

Javier Martinez
 

E-Mail Address

javier.martinez@inl.gov
(javier.martinez@inl.gov)
 

Description

Technology Summary This technology introduces an electrochemical method for extracting cobalt from sulfoarsenide minerals, such as cobaltite (CoAsS), while simultaneously immobilizing arsenic as scorodite (FeAsO?�2H?O), a stable and low-solubility mineral form. The process enables cobalt production from arsenic-rich domestic sources by addressing both metal recovery and arsenic stabilization in a single system. The method operates at moderate temperatures (up to 70�C) and under ambient pressure conditions, without the need for chemical oxidants or high-pressure equipment. Challenge Domestic sources of cobalt remain largely untapped due to the presence of arsenic, which complicates extraction and disposal. Existing approaches to arsenic immobilization are energy-intensive, require high-pressure systems, and often depend on hazardous oxidants such as hydrogen peroxide. These limitations present cost, safety, and environmental challenges to scaling up cobalt production from arsenide-rich ores. Solution The system consists of a two-compartment electrochemical cell separated by an anion exchange or bipolar membrane. In the anode compartment, a sulfuric acid electrolyte (pH < 1) contains sulfoarsenide minerals and ferrous sulfate (FeSO?). The electrochemical process proceeds as follows: Fe(II) is oxidized to Fe(III) at the anode via applied current. Fe(III) reacts with the mineral (e.g., CoAsS), releasing cobalt and dissolving arsenic. As(III) is oxidized to As(V) chemically or electrochemically. Fe(III) and As(V) combine to form scorodite, which precipitates from solution. This process allows for the selective extraction of cobalt while co-precipitating arsenic in a stable, low-mobility form. Key Advantages Integrated Processing: Combines metal extraction and arsenic immobilization in one step. Lower Input Requirements: Operates without external oxidants (e.g., H?O?) and under ambient pressure. Improved Environmental Management: Produces scorodite, which meets criteria for long-term arsenic stabilization. Reduced Energy Consumption: Eliminates the need for autoclaves and high-temperature hydrothermal systems. Scalable Design: Suitable for modular deployment and integration into hydrometallurgical workflows. Co-Recovery Potential: Supports extraction of additional metals, including Cu, Ag, Au, and rare earth elements. Market Applications This technology is relevant to several critical sectors that rely on secure and sustainable supply chains for cobalt and other metals: Cobalt and Critical Mineral Processing: Enables extraction from previously uneconomical arsenic-rich deposits. Battery Supply Chain: Supports domestic sourcing of cobalt for lithium-ion batteries in EVs and grid storage. Mining Operations: Applicable to mineral processors working with polymetallic ores in the Idaho Cobalt Belt and other arsenide-rich regions. Environmental Remediation: Potential applications in the treatment of arsenic-bearing waste from legacy mining sites. Defense and Energy Security: Supports national strategies for critical material independence and supply chain resilience. Licensing INL�s Technology Deployment department focuses solely on licensing intellectual property and collaborating with industry partners who can commercialize our innovations. We do not engage in purchasing, procurement, or hiring external services for technology development. Our objective is to connect with companies interested in licensing and bringing our technologies to market.
 

Web Link

SAM.gov Permalink
(https://sam.gov/opp/f7b00b10ec254d71b6504977de994301/view)
 

Place of Performance

Address: ID 83401, USA

Zip Code: 83401

Country: USA
 

Record

SN07470106-F 20250611/250609230037 (samdaily.us)
 

Source

SAM.gov Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)

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