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Maximize metal recovery and reduce CAPEX with our extraction solution

Download our real-world case study to see how OptimEXT™ improves lithium, cobalt, nickel and rare earth recovery while minimizing ownership costs and lowering VOC emissions.

Minimized
CAPEX and OPEX

Reduce inventory by up to 90% and footprint up to 60%

Unmatched
efficiency

Continuous extraction solution with up to 30 theoretical stages in a single column.

Superior product purity & recovery

Reach up to 99% selectivity and metal recovery.

Download our case study now and learn how leading metal recovery plants are replacing inefficient mixer-settlers with sealed extraction systems.

  • How to achieve up to 99% recovery rates for lithium, cobalt, nickel and rare earths.
  • Why sealed extraction columns outperform traditional mixer-settlers in safety and control.
  • How to reduce solvent consumption by up to 70% and improve environmental compliance.
  • How compact modular designs cut footprint requirements by up to 60%.
  • How to achieve the reliable performance through Sulzer pilot testing and engineer expertise
  • How to simplify process control with automated, continuous extraction systems.
OptimEXT 2-Metal Recovery case study(1)

How OptimEXT™ can help you to do advanced extraction for high-purity metal recovery.

Sulzer’s OptimEXT™ sets a new standard in hydrometallurgical extraction by replacing bulky, loss-prone mixer-settlers with a compact, sealed system based on the high-performance Kühni™ column. The result is more efficient separation, higher recovery rates and dramatically lower solvent consumption.

With over 700 industrial references, proven success in lithium, nickel, cobalt, rare earths and phosphoric acid recovery, and global piloting capabilities, OptimEXT™ is your trusted solution for maximizing purity, safety and sustainability in metal extraction.

Looking to improve your recovery efficiency or reduce environmental impact? Contact our experts at optimext@sulzer.com to discuss your specific application.

Built for your industries and applications

Our extraction technologies are trusted in a wide range of hydrometallurgical and recycling operations, including:

  • Lithium extraction from brines and battery black mass
  • Nickel and cobalt recovery from spent batteries
  • Rare earth purification
  • Phosphoric acid purification and recovery
  • Copper, zinc, manganese and uranium extraction
  • Projects with limited space or modular plant design needs
SULZER Column in Laboratory Setting
Questions? We have your answers.
Is this relevant beyond lithium?
Yes. OptimEXT™ is successfully applied to cobalt, nickel, rare earths, and phosphoric acid recovery.
Why is sealed design important?
It minimizes solvent losses, VOC emissions, fire risk, and operator exposure. This is especially critical when handling redox-sensitive or hazardous metals.
Can it scale easily?
Yes. OptimEXT™ is modular and compact, making it ideal for expanding capacity in existing or space-constrained facilities.
How much can I reduce solvent and metal inventory?
OptimEXT™ enables up to 90% reduction in solvent and metal hold-up compared to mixer-settlers. This improves safety, lowers cost, and frees up working capital.