Abstract
The Morowali Ni-laterite deposit is located in the East Sulawesi Ophiolite, which is a large ophiolite belt on Sulawesi Island, Indonesia. The Morowali deposit is developed on a laterite profile due to ophiolite weathering, with saprolite, limonite, and ferruginous cap horizons from the bottom to top. Based on the occurrence of garnierite as the main ore, occurring in the saprolite horizon, it can be classified that the ore deposit is hydrous Mg silicate-type. The Ni ore is classified into different types based on color and XRD and electron probe micro-analyzer analyses. Whole-rock geochemical study was also conducted to understand the mineralization process. The Morowali Ni deposit consists of serpentine-like and talc-like phases. The serpentine-like phase consists of Ni-lizardite and karpinskite (0.76–38.26 wt% NiO) while the talc-like phase is mainly composed of kerolite (4.02–8.02 wt% NiO). The serpentine-like garnierite exhibits high Ni and Fe contents and occurrence similar to that of the serpentine observed in the saprolite horizon, suggesting the serpentine-like garnierite originated from the bedrock, and Mg-Ni cation exchange occurred during laterization. Contrastingly, the lower Fe content of the talc-like phase (0.01–0.05 wt%) than the serpentine-like phase (0.14–7.03 wt%) indicates that the talc-like garnierite is of secondary origin since Fe is immobile during weathering. The Morowali Ni-laterite deposit was mainly formed during laterization. The repetition of dry and wet cycles in each year results in the formation of secondary garnierite.
Highlights
Nickel is an important metal that is used to manufacture stainless steel, metal alloys, and rechargeable batteries
We investigated the Ni-rich laterite deposits in Morowali, Sulawesi, Indonesia to understand garnierite genesis and mineralization during laterization based on mineralogical and geochemical studies
According to X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electron probe micro-analyzer (EPMA) analyses, garnierite of the Morowali deposit can be distinguished into serpentine- and talc-like
Summary
Nickel is an important metal that is used to manufacture stainless steel, metal alloys, and rechargeable batteries. Nickel ores are produced in both magmatic sulfide and laterite-type deposits. The magmatic sulfide deposits occur within the deep crust and are generated by a high degree of partial melting of the mantle that contains Ni-rich sulfide liquids (Barnes and Lightfoot, 2005), while Ni-bearing laterite deposits are developed by the weathering of ultramafic rocks under humid conditions such as tropical or sub-tropical climates (Butt and Cluzel, 2013; Butt, 2016). Laterite-type Ni deposits account for 60% of the global nickel resources, ∼60% of the world nickel production is dependent on sulfide-type ores owing to their convenience in processing It is believed that there will be a rise in the demand for Ni; lateritic Ni deposits have recently gained attention since they can be utilized to meet this demand
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
