Mineralogical Transformation and Mass Balance Model at a Nickel Laterite Profile in Malili District, South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine the mineralogy transformation and mass balance model to understand the mobility of laterite elements using Microscopy, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF). The bedrock of the profile is a serpentinized peridotite consisting mainly of lizardite with minor magnetite. The saprolite zone of profile is dominated by the mineral lizardite, while in the limonite zone due to the perfect weathering process, the lizardite mineral has already transforms into goethite. The results of mass balance calculation analysis using Ti as the immobile element showed that Mg and Si were reduced along all layers of profile. Meanwhile, Fe, Al, Mn, and Cr increased towards the upper zone of the laterite nickel profile. Meanwhile, Ni was concentrated in the saprolite zone with an addition of ~386.42%.