Agglomeration behaviour of model clay and oxide minerals
Date
2011
Authors
Quaicoe, I.
Nosrati, A.
Addai Mensah, J.
Skinner, W.
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Conference paper
Citation
Chemeca 2011: engineering a better world, 2011, pp.1915-1925
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Chemeca 2011: Engineering a Better World (18 Sep 2011 - 21 Sep 2011 : Sydney, Australia)
Abstract
Although most of the world's nickel mineralization occurs as nickel laterite ore, processing of complex low grade laterite ores by conventional physical unit operations (e.g. magnetic, electrostatic and flotation) is still intractable. The mineralogically and chemically complex low grade nickel laterite ores require more aggressive chemical and hydrometallurgical techniques (e.g., lixiviant heap leaching) for value metal (Ni and Co) extraction. In the present work, we investigate agglomeration behaviour of model minerals (hematite, quartz, kaolin and smectite) which constitute the predominant host gangue phases typically in low grade nickel laterite ores. Fundamental knowledge and understanding of the agglomeration mechanisms and kinetics which are essential for producing robust real ore granules, and pivotal to the subsequent heap leaching process are gleaned. Thorough, isothermal batch agglomeration tests performed with 30 wt. % sulphuric acid solution as a binder and 5 - 30 mm granules of differing roughness and morphologies were produced in 8-24 min. The results clearly showed mineralogy dependent agglomeration behaviour. Slow induction type nucleation and growth agglomeration were displayed by the clay minerals whilst the oxides exhibited the fast of nucleation and growth agglomeration processes.
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Copyright 2011 Engineers Australia