Electrochemical Arsenic Immobilization for Sustainable Cobalt Production

Technology Summary This technology introduces an electrochemical method for extracting cobalt from sulfoarsenide minerals, such as cobaltite (CoAsS), while simultaneously immobilizing arsenic as scorodite (FeAsO?2H?O), a stable and low-solubility mineral form. The process enables cobalt production from arsenic-rich domestic sources by addressing both metal recovery and arsenic stabilization in a single system. The method operates at moderate temperatures (up to 70C) and under ambient pressure conditions, without the need for chemical oxidants or high-pressure equipment. Challenge Domestic sources of cobalt remain largely untapped due to the presence of arsenic, which complicates extraction and disposal. Existing approaches to arsenic immobilization are energy-intensive, require high-pressu