Open Access Conference Proceedings

Processing of polymetallic ores, especially deep-sea nodules, is always considered as extraction of individual metals. This work brings a new approach, i.e. to reduce the ore in a single step without any separation process. Such new metallurgical approach does not only save the costs, but also generates whole new alloys. The properties of these new alloys were tested. The applicability of the aluminothermic process, as well as the composition and possible use of the slag, are discussed. The alloys, containing manganese-based solid solution and intermetallics including the popular inverse Heusler phase Mn2Fe(Si,Al), are characterized by high hardness and wear resistance. Due to relatively low efficiency of the aluminothermic process, the aluminothermic slags contain significant amount of manganese and reasonable portion of nickel, copper and magnesium and therefore it could be still used as the raw material after the alloy was obtained by aluminothermy.

Keywords: Deep-sea nodules, manganese, alloy, aluminum alloy

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