Research on treating processes of Nickel Laterite Ores in the world and Vietnam

Abstract

Laterite nickel ores, accounting for about 70% of total world nickel reserves, are very abundant and considered as an important resource of nickel. However, nickel content of laterite ores are generally low of about 0.5÷2.5% Ni. In addition, nickel minerals are very finely disseminated in the ores, so that traditional separation methods such as froth flotation, gravity method, magnetic method, and electrical separation produce very low recovery efficiency. Currently, the treatment of this type of ores is being intensively studied and directed to use common available processes including: Hydrometallurgical, pyrometallurgical, and reduction roasting - magnetic separation processes. This article aims to summarize typical studies on the characteristics of current laterite nickel ore processing technologies commonly used in the world and in Vietnam. From the review, appropriate direction for treatment of Thanh Hoa - Vietnam laterite nickel ores can be proposed.