Recent investigations of nickel laterite agglomeration for enhanced heap leaching
Date
2012
Authors
Addai Mensah, J.
Nosrati, A.
Quaicoe, I.
Franks, G.
Lian, L.
Robinson, D.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
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Volume Title
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Conference paper
Citation
Innovative processing for sustainable growth, 2012, pp.3360-3376
Statement of Responsibility
Conference Name
XXVI International Mineral Processing Congress (IMPC) 2012 (24 Sep 2012 - 28 Sep 2012 : India)
Abstract
Despite the fact that nickel (Ni) laterites accounts for about 60% of the world's nickel mineralization, commercial processing of complex, low grade Ni laterite ores by conventional beneficiation (e.g. magnetic, electrostatic and flotation separation) still presents intractable challenges, particularly in heap leaching. Invariably, low grade laterite ores require aggressive hydrometallurgical techniques (e.g., highly acidic lixiviant leaching at ambient or elevated temperatures) for Ni and cobalt (Co) extraction. As a precursor to heap leaching, agglomeration of the multi-mineral phase feed particles into robust and porous granules of 4-10 m permeable bed, is essential. In the present work, several basic and applied studies of the agglomeration behavior of real Ni laterite ores and selected oxides and clay minerals (hematite, quartz smectite and kaolinite) which constitute the predominant host gangue phases of typical laterite ores are performed. Isothermal, batch agglomeration tests involving sulfuric acid solution as a binder were carried out to produce coarse, narrow-sized (5 - 40 mm) granules which were well characterized. The influential role of feed ore characteristics (e.g., mineralogy/chemistry and primary particle size distribution), binder composition (30 vs. 44% w/w H2SO4) and dosage (15-25 wt.%) in agglomeration behavior and granule properties were examined through several characterization techniques including granule size, compressive strength, bed percolation and re-wetting stability and 3-dimensional micro-structure analyses. Links between feed mineralogy/chemistry and size, binder formulation, agglomeration behavior, curing conditions and final granule properties and structural characteristics were established. The implications of the findings to Ni laterite plant agglomeration for enhanced heap leaching have been discussed.
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Copyright 2012 International Mineral Processing Congress - IMPC