BigPatents India

The present invention relates to an improved process for direct leaching of polymetallic sea nodules for the recovery of metals like copper, nickel, cobalt and manganese. Polymetallic sea nodules contain various valuable metals. The land based resources of such metals are gradually decreasing. Therefore, it has become necessary to develop such processes. The process of the present invention involves leaching of polymetallic sea nodules with alcohol modified sulfuric acid. The recoveries of metals are greater than 90%. The used alcohol is regenerated by reduction with hydrogen gas.