Pre-concentration of nickel in laterite ores using physical separation methods

Nickel is an important metal globally with a consumption of about 2 million tons per year. This is supplied from both sulfide and laterite ores, but currently laterites are becoming more attractive for nickel production due to the depletion of high grade nickel sulfide ores. Laterites are generally processed through hydro or pyro-metallurgy and therefore, pre-concentration of nickel before such processes is very important. This paper examines the effects of different physical methods on pre-concentration of nickel in laterite ores. The effect of ore mineralogy on choosing the best strategy to upgrade nickel will be discussed. The findings of this project will help to unlock a substantial volume of nickel with significant value from laterite ores.