Application Examples in Aluminum Extraction: Removing Gallium from Bauxite Ore Leachate

Background

During the extraction of aluminum from bauxite ore, impurities such as gallium are often present. Although gallium is found in low concentrations, its presence can affect the purity of aluminum, especially in industries requiring high-purity aluminum. Therefore, removing gallium from bauxite is of significant economic and industrial importance. Additionally, gallium itself is a valuable rare metal widely used in electronics, semiconductors, and other high-tech fields.

Using Our Company's MC980 Chelating Ion Exchange Resin to Remove Gallium in Aluminum Ore Liquid

• Target Metal: Gallium ions (Ga³⁺)
• Solution: Bauxite ore leachate (solution obtained after leaching bauxite in acidic or alkaline solution, containing aluminum and gallium ions)
• Chelating Resin: Phosphonic acid-based or iminodiacetic acid (IDA) type chelating resin
• Substance to be Removed: Gallium ions (Ga³⁺)

Operational Steps

1. Bauxite Ore Leaching

   Leach the bauxite using an acidic or alkaline solution to dissolve aluminum and other metals, including gallium, obtaining a bauxite ore leachate.

2. Pre-treatment of Leachate

   Filter and clarify the leachate to remove solid impurities, resulting in a clear metal ion solution.

Specific Outcomes

Through the above process, gallium ions in the bauxite ore leachate can be effectively removed, enhancing the purity of aluminum and recovering valuable gallium. Below is a comparison of aluminum and gallium ion concentrations before and after treatment:

• Before Treatment: The concentration of gallium ions in the bauxite ore leachate may range from tens to hundreds of ppm (parts per million).
• After Treatment: The concentration of gallium ions in the purified aluminum solution is significantly reduced, typically to below 1 ppm; meanwhile, the recovery rate of gallium in the eluate is high, reaching economically viable levels.

Conclusion

Using chelating ion exchange resin to remove gallium ions during the processing of bauxite ore can significantly improve the purity of aluminum and effectively recover gallium as a rare metal. This method is not only highly selective and efficient but also optimizes the utilization of resources and enhances economic benefits. This has important applications in the mining and materials processing industries.