Characteristics of Nickel Laterite Mine Waste in Caraga Region, Philippines and Its Potential Utilization

Abstract

Nickel laterite mining is one of the sources of nickel-iron material used for producing steel and various materials. This mining activity leaves waste in the mine, including rocks, overburden, silt, and dust. Characterization is an important primary step in understanding waste for proper management, utilization, and disposal. The pH, organic matter, and elemental composition are analyzed in this study. The pH of nickel laterite mine waste is neutral to moderately alkaline, which makes it unlikely to cause acid mine drainage, which is one of the most prevailing environmental problems of mines. The organic matter content also showed favorable results for plant growth. However, the macronutrients necessary for the plant are too high, making it less favorable for agricultural utilization. Elemental composition shows the presence of nickel and other elements lower than the economically acceptable level. However, processing the lower grade can be the best option when all higher-grade resources are exhausted. The nickel laterite mine waste can be reused to further extract the metals when sources of higher grades are depleted, repurposed such as in the production of bricks and ceramics, or mined-out mines can be repurposed for renewable energy sources such as solar and wind farms.