A photo showing three clear columns containing nickel laterite that is being leached to recover nickel.

Nickel laterite ore being treated in leaching columns.

Precious and base metals hydrometallurgy

CSIRO is working closely with research partners and the Australian minerals industry to maximise the returns from mineral resources derived using hydrometallurgical processes while reducing the environmental impact of these processes.

  • 1 March 2010 | Updated 24 September 2012
  1. Hydrometallurgy overview
  2. Quantitative mineralogy characterisation and predictive modelling of hydrometallurgical performance
  3. Slurry characterisation and rheology studies
  4. Leaching
  5. Biohydrometallurgy
  6. Solvent extraction and metal recovery
  7. Cyanidation of gold
  8. Alternatives to cyanide
  9. Key contacts

Hydrometallurgy overview

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Hydrometallurgical processing involves extraction, purification and recovery of metals from ores, concentrates or other metal-bearing materials using processes where water is a primary factor.

It has become a significant technology in the production of today’s precious and base metals.

We work closely with industry to improve current processes through improved fundamental knowledge and develop new processing options through innovative new approaches to old problems.

Our hydrometallurgy research capabilities are applied to both precious and base metals.