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Abstract

Systems and methods for recovering cobalt and other valuable metals from cobalt permanent magnets of various compositions, such as samarium cobalt magnets, are presented herein. In one embodiment, a method includes converting the permanent magnet material to a higher surface area form, such as a powder. The method also includes treating the converted permanent magnet material with an aqueous solution of ammonium carbonate to form a mixture (e.g., a slurry) that includes dissolved cobalt. In some embodiments, the method includes exposing the mixture to an oxidant to oxidize metallic constituents and form soluble species. The method also includes filtering the mixture to yield a filtrate and electroplating the cobalt onto a cathode from the filtrate.

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First Claim