Extraction of Critical Metals from Secondary Source: Leaching Ti and V from Brazilian Fe-Ti-V Deposit Residue

The growing demand for critical metals to supply the market has led to searches for new sources crucial to technological development. The present study aimed to leach Ti and V from the non-magnetic fraction of a non-oxidized Brazilian Fe-Ti-V deposit. Leaching experiments were carried out with HCl, and the effect of the solid-liquid ratio, time, temperature, acid concentration, and NaHF2 and Fe-0 additions were evaluated. The extraction of Ti and V achieved 88.1% and 82.0%, respectively, using 30%HCl, solid-liquid ratio 1/6, and NaHF2 dosage 10% w/w at 85 degrees C. Reducing leaching increased the yield to 95.1% and 91.4%, respectively. Kinetic modeling showed that the leaching of V fitted better for diffusion control through the fluid film, and Ti fitted better for solid product diffusion control. The hydrolysis step separated 98.5% of Ti in the solid phase with losses of Fe (9.5%) and V (5.7%). Therefore, the hydrometallurgical route designed is simple, and it is possible to obtain high-purity products.

Automated summary

The study aimed to extract titanium (Ti) and vanadium (V) from the non-magnetic fraction of a Fe-Ti-V deposit in Brazil. Leaching experiments using HCl solution were conducted to evaluate the effect of various factors. The highest extraction rates of Ti (88.1%) and V (82.0%) were achieved using 30%HCl, a solid-liquid ratio of 1/6, and a NaHF2 dosage of 10% w/w at 85 degrees C. Kinetic modeling revealed diffusion control as the main mechanism for V leaching and solid product diffusion control for Ti leaching. The hydrometallurgical route proposed in this study is simple and allows for the production of high-purity products.