Analysis of Cobalt Distribution and Co-Ni Correlation in Nickel Laterite Zonation in Tropical Region

Abstract

Cobalt is a key metallic element required in the manufacture of lithium-ion batteries in the electric car industry, which has led to increased demand for cobalt globally. Cobalt is found associated with laterite nickel deposits but generally at lower levels. This study aims to analyze the distribution of cobalt in the laterite zone, determine cobalt-rich zones, determine cobalt-forming minerals in the limonite, saprolite and bedrock zones. As well as determining the average cobalt content in each nickel laterite zone, and determining the correlation between Co and Ni in the laterite zone. The research methodology was carried out by conducting petrographic analysis on bedrock samples to determine cobalt-forming minerals. Furthermore, X-Ray Diffraction analysis was carried out on limonite and saprolite zone samples to determine the mineral content and cobalt-forming minerals. Furthermore, conduct X-Ray Fluorescence analysis at 12 drill points to determine the percentage of cobalt elements in each laterite zone. Based on the research results, it is known that the distribution of cobalt at 12 drill points has levels in the limonite zone ranging from 0.05-0.12% Co, saprolite zone 0.02-0.05% Co, and the bedrock zone ranges from 0.01-0.04% Co. So it can be concluded that the highest cobalt distribution is in the limonite zone and the average cobalt content in the limonite zone is 0.082%; saprolite zone is 0.029%; and bedrock zone is 0.02%. The mineral identified as the cobalt-forming mineral in the bedrock samples in the study area is the mineral antigorite. The Co-Ni correlation coefficient values range from 0.01 to 0.22.