Challenges and Future in Ni Laterite Ore Enrichment: A Critical Review

Nickel is a strategic element whose production and consumption in over a decade has increased to over 39% and 71%, respectively. Generally, due to their complex mineralogy, laterites, the current attractive source of Ni, are subjected to hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy techniques without enrichment in order to extract Ni. Therefore, numerous investigations in vogue on laterite enrichment performed spanning from 1964 to date were reviewed in this article, and the future directions were proposed through critical synthesis. The possibilities of obtaining both higher recoveries and increase in grade for Ni were noticed using selective comminution-classification method followed by flocculation-flotation strategy. Hence, in order to improve on the reported Ni yields from selective comminution-classification process, one of the ways could be to subject the ore to a multi-stage selective comminution-classification method followed by subjecting the obtained concentrate to flocculation-flotation technique. Therefore, the findings of this investigation would aid in upscaling the production to meet the demand.

Automated summary

Nickel, a strategic element, has seen an increase in production and consumption of over 39% and 71% in the past decade. This article reviews the current methods of extracting nickel from laterites, which are the main source of nickel, and proposes potential future directions. The study finds that using a selective comminution-classification method followed by flocculation-flotation strategy can increase both the recovery and grade of nickel. The findings could be used to improve production and meet demand.