Column leaching behaviour of nickel laterite agglomerates
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(Published version)
Date
2012
Authors
Xu, D.
Hilder, T.
Quast, K.B.
Skinner, W.M.
Addai Mensah, J.
Robinson, D.
Editors
Pradip, P.
Mishra, B.K.
Mishra, B.K.
Advisors
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Conference paper
Citation
XXVI international mineral processing congress (IMPC) 2012 proceedings, 2012 / Pradip, P., Mishra, B.K. (ed./s), iss.188, pp.5883-5891
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XXVI international mineral processing congress (IMPC 2012) (24 Sep 2012 - 28 Sep 2012 : New Dehli, India)
Abstract
The majority of the world's nickel (Ni) resources occur as laterite ores, which are exceptionally complex, lower grade (<1.5% Ni) and expensive to treat using conventional smelting and high temperature/pressure autoclave methods. Heap leaching is a promising, less costly, alternative technology for processing low grade nickel laterite ores. However, significant technical challenges remain with Nickel laterite heap leaching, preventing its general adoption. This paper presents some highlights of laboratory column leaching studies undertaken to characterise, evaluate and optimise sulphuric acid leaching behaviour of Nickel laterite agglomerates. They provide basic but valuable information regarding Nickel laterite agglomerate structure stability and leaching performance under industrially-relevant, continuous acid irrigation conditions. In particular, Nickel and other key metals' (e.g. Co, Fe, Al and Mn) extraction rates, free acid concentration, bed slump and structural changes were determined at a given acid percolation rate as a function of time. Potential implications of the findings, for devising strategies for improved Nickel laterite plant heap leach operations are discussed.
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Copyright 2012 The Authors