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CCD, neutralisation, solution purification & precipitation

CCD, neutralisation, solution purification & precipitation

Following the primary extraction processes (atmospheric or pressure leaching), the hydrometallurgical process is only just beginning. Typically, there is a requirement to neutralize highly acid solutions and/or solids-liquid separation via counter-current decantation. Often solutions must undergo impurity removal and purification that typically involved the process of precipitation (of either the value metal ions or the impurities). These processes will be specific to every ore type or chemical environment and our experienced ALS team of hydrometallurgists can either define or adhere to your exact requirements.

CCD, neutralisation, solution purification & precipitation services

Acid neutralisation circuits are available in various sizes and stages and these can be fabricated to suit a particular need. The main skid comprises a 3-4 stage continuous plant operating at 80 to 95ºC with option for Cr(VI) Pre-Reduction via reductant (NaHS) addition, and can handle feed flowrates of ~ 50 to 150 L/h.


A CCD washing and thickening circuit is available with up to six stages (each of ~300 L including pre-mix tanks. This plant handles up to 30 kg/h dry solids with in-line feed flow measurement).


Solution purification circuit is available with up to six stages for removal of Fe(II), Al and other impurities via limestone addition and air-O2 sparging. The plant has installed auto-pH control and can accommodate variable retention (4.5 to 10 hours typically).


Multi-stage circuits are available for precipitation of MHP, MHP filtration and washing; scavenger precipitation of Ni and Co, and Effluent /Tailings treatment (Mn, Mg precipitation and Tailings Neutralisation).


All of the above can be readily scale and tailors to fit a client’s requirements.

Don't see what you need or are unsure about some of the services and associated requirements?

Hydrometallurgical testwork is always complex, and so we are happy to help walk you through the process, or meet your requirements exactly.

Please contact us for further details.

Here are some frequently asked questions

  • Can I do my own testwork in ALS’s laboratory?

    Generally, no. Insurance and safety protocols typically prevent renting laboratory space and this is not part of ALS’s business model. Clients are able to visit and witness testwork but this is to observe only! Typically, clients may attend on 24/7 piloting campaigns and interact with senior staff members for Technical interactions.

  • Can vendors attend the ALS lab to do associated testwork?

    Yes, Vendors and SX reagent suppliers often attend during specific bench and pilot scale testwork periods to conduct offline tests.

  • Can my associates and I view the testwork at ALS’s laboratory?

    Yes, clients are always welcome to visit our facilities and observe samples or tests in progress. Inductions are required and other rules may apply to visitors.

  • Will ALS dispatch my samples to third parties?

    Yes, if a testwork program is in progress, ALS will happily dispatch testwork products and feed samples to vendors, third party laboratories, and customers as required. Fees apply.

  • Does ALS do bulk impurity removal pilot testwork?

    Yes, Generally piloting testwork follows a successful bench testwork program where the proposed process flowsheet has been selected. Continuous testwork will prove the viability of the selected flowsheet and confirm recycle streams and overall circuit kinetics which is not possible from only batch or bench scale tests.

  • Does ALS do design engineering and consulting?

    No, as it is not our core business and would put us in direct competition with many of our clients. We can, however, put you in contact with a range of reputable engineering providers and consultants.

Associated testwork services

Electrowinning rarely happens in isolation and typically many other processes are inter-related, leaching, CCD, filtration, recycles, impurity removal, purification etc.


Click on the above links or contact us for further information. We can integrate a full program for you if required.