Determination of Optimum Extraction Conditions for Lithium, Rubidium, and Cesium From Boron Industrial Waste and Analysis by FAAS

In this study, boron waste (-25 mm solid waste) obtained during the enrichment process of colemanitc mineral at Emet-Espey was analyzed and Li, Rb, and Cs determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Although these valuable metals have extremely important - and strategic use, they are not found in Turkey. Since they are present at fairly high amounts in boron waste, an efficient and economical extraction method has been investigated. In order to increase the extraction yield of these metals by water leaching process, boron waste was roasted with chlorinating agents (NaCl and CaCl2). The parameters used to determine the optimum extraction conditions were roasting temperature, weight ratio of the chlorinating agents to boron waste, roasting time, leaching temperature, leaching time and solid-to-liquid (S/L) ratio. The maximum extraction values achieved for Li, Rb, and Cs were 75.01%, 84.15%, and 89.90%, respectively, with a mass ratio of boron waste/ NaCl/CaCl2 of 1:0.6:0.4 at 700 degrees C for 120 minutes, at the leaching temperature and time of 60 degrees C and 15 minutes, and a S/L ratio of 0.4. This method can also be applied to minerals, clays, and other types of inorganic wastes containing Li, Rb, and Cs.