Processing of Ferromanganese Nodules of the Pacific Ocean

Abstract

Manganese-containing ores in Russia and prospects for expanding the resources by including ferromanganese nodules (FMN) are analyzed. Processes for manganese-containing materials are reviewed. The combined pyro-hydrometallurgical processing of deep-water ferromanganese nodules from the Clarion–Clipperton Zone in the Pacific Ocean is described. The results of studies on the sulfating roasting of FMNs with pyrite and the results of the one-stage neutral leaching of cinders are presented. It is concluded that it is promising to combine the processing of nodules and preliminary roasting to produce saleable concentrates of manganese and non-ferrous metals.