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Apex Engineering, PLLC

Metals Removal for the Idaho Cobalt Project
Apex Engineering served as a technical consultant to Morrison-Maierle, Inc. to develop a water treatment process for this mine, which was recently awarded operating and discharge permits.  Tasks included literature searches, bench testing, pilot testing and process flowsheet development.   The proposed design includes hydroxide precipitation, ion exchange and biological treatment, with sulfide precipitation and membrane processes also considered.   Capital and operating costs were estimated for bond calculations.

Apex previously served as process engineer to recommend a treatment plant design in Phase I of this project.   I designed and conducted five series of bench-scale tests and one pilot test, and wrote a final report.   At that time, sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) addition was selected to meet low metals concentrations prior to discharge.

Jar tests to evaluate metals removal processes
Bench tests for metals removal
Treated water receiving stream
Receiving stream for discharge of treated water
Schematic showing proposed water balance at the new mine
Mine water balance
Here's a presentation on the project: