Electrochemical Arsenic Immobilization for Sustainable Cobalt Production
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of Energy (DOE), through Battelle Energy Alliance – DOE CNTR, has issued a Special Notice regarding a novel technology for Electrochemical Arsenic Immobilization for Sustainable Cobalt Production. This innovation enables the extraction of cobalt from arsenic-rich domestic mineral sources while simultaneously stabilizing arsenic. The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is seeking industry partners for licensing and commercialization of this technology. Responses are due July 9, 2026.
Technology Overview
This technology presents an electrochemical method to extract cobalt from sulfoarsenide minerals (e.g., cobaltite) and immobilize arsenic as stable scorodite (FeAsO₄·2H₂O) in a single system. It operates at moderate temperatures (up to 70°C) and ambient pressure, eliminating the need for chemical oxidants or high-pressure equipment. The process involves a two-compartment electrochemical cell where Fe(II) is oxidized to Fe(III), which then reacts with minerals to release cobalt and dissolve arsenic. As(III) is oxidized to As(V), and Fe(III) and As(V) combine to precipitate scorodite.
Key Advantages & Applications
Key Advantages:
- Integrated Processing: Combines metal extraction and arsenic immobilization.
- Lower Input Requirements: No external oxidants or high-pressure systems.
- Improved Environmental Management: Produces stable scorodite.
- Reduced Energy Consumption: Eliminates autoclaves and high-temperature systems.
- Scalable Design: Suitable for modular deployment.
- Co-Recovery Potential: Supports extraction of other metals (Cu, Ag, Au, rare earth elements).
Market Applications:
- Cobalt and critical mineral processing
- Battery supply chain (EVs, grid storage)
- Mining operations (polymetallic ores, Idaho Cobalt Belt)
- Environmental remediation of arsenic-bearing waste
- Defense and energy security for critical material independence
Licensing & Response
INL's Technology Deployment department is focused solely on licensing intellectual property and collaborating with industry partners for commercialization. This notice is not a procurement or solicitation for services. Interested parties should contact INL regarding licensing opportunities.
Additional Information
A scientific research paper, "Electrochemical Leaching of Cobalt from Cobaltite: Box-Behnken Design and Optimization," provides detailed technical insights into the process, including optimization methodologies and findings of ~73% cobalt extraction efficiency under optimized conditions. This document underscores the technology's potential for more efficient and environmentally friendly critical mineral recovery.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Special Notice (Technology Licensing Opportunity)
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Response Due: July 9, 2026, 3:00 PM ET
- Published: April 15, 2026
Contact Information
- Primary Contact: Javier Martinez (javier.martinez@inl.gov)