Abstract
Laterite ores are becoming the most important global source of nickel and cobalt. Pyrometallurgical processing of the laterites is still a dominant technology, but the share of nickel and cobalt produced by the application of various hydrometallurgical technologies is increasing. Hydrometallurgy is a less energy-demanding process, resulting in lower operational costs and environmental impacts. This review covers past technologies for hydrometallurgical processing of nickel and cobalt (Caron), current technologies (high-pressure acid leaching, atmospheric leaching, heap leaching), developing technologies (Direct nickel, Neomet) as well as prospective biotechnologies (Ferredox process).
Highlights
Lateritic ore bodies can be divided into three subtypes 3 : 1. Oxide laterites are mostly constituted of the limonite zone
Some of the processes were applied on a large production scale (HPAL, Caron, and heap leaching), some of them are on the pilot-scale of production (Direct nickel, Neomet), and Ferredox process is the theoretical concept based on laboratory-scale research
Global nickel production is swinging from production based on nickel sulfide minerals to production based on lateritic ore deposits
Summary
The technologies were selected based on their application on commercial or pilot scale and innovative potential. Some of the processes were applied on a large production scale (HPAL, Caron, and heap leaching), some of them are on the pilot-scale of production (Direct nickel, Neomet), and Ferredox process is the theoretical concept based on laboratory-scale research
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