Extraction of vanadium from the leach solution of stone coal using ion exchange resin

Abstract The loading of V on weak base resin D314 from sulphuric acid leach solutions of stone coal containing 2.06 g/L V (V2O5) was found to be 260 mg/mL with contact time of 60 min at pH = 4, giving a recovery of 99%. Stripping of loaded resin was excellent using 3 mol/L NaOH, with a maximum V concentration of 150 g/L in the eluate. The resin features stable reusability when regenerated using 1 mol/L H2SO4 or 2 mol/L HCl. The loading of V on the resin in the industrial trial was found to be as high as 280 mg/mL with a maximum V concentration of 200 g/L in the eluate. The final product of V2O5 with high purity (> 99%) meeting the standard specification was produced. Application of this process in industry is expected to make an important impact on the extraction of vanadium from the leach solution of stone coal and to deliver good economical benefits.