Comprehensive Review on Metallurgical Upgradation Processes of Nickel Sulfide Ores

Abstract

With the vigorously growing demand of the steel industry, corrosion resistance alloys, clean energy industries, and a variety of engineered infrastructure or technology, high-grade nickel ores are being exhausted gradually in the world. This review outlines metallurgical processes for nickel production from various nickel sulfide ores resources, particularly focusing on recent developments in metallurgical processes to identify potential trends and technical requirements in nickel metallurgy. The main methods have been extensively reviewed for nickel extraction from nickel sulfide ores which maybe are potentially applicable to provide new ideas for smelting technology innovation of nickel and even other similar metals. The main metallurgical methods include pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgy, containing smelting, leaching, and purification. The advantages and disadvantages of each typical process have been analyzed and compared in this review, and a special emphasis is put forth. Biological metallurgy is highly selective for recovery of nickel and the most promising method recommended for future research and development. Moreover, ion exchange offers useful method for extraction and purification of nickel. In addition, many of the typical new methods involved are also introduced in this article. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]