A novel approach for recovery of nickel and iron from nickel laterite ore

作者:Chen, Na*; Cao, Zhan-Fang; Zhong, Hong; Fan, Fan; Qiu, Pei; Wang, Ming-Ming
来源:Metallurgical Research and Technology, 2015, 112(3): 306.
DOI:10.1051/metal/2015015

摘要

In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on the utilization of lowgrade nickel laterite ore. In this study, the technology for efficient utilization of nickel laterite ore was investigated. The results indicate that the experimental sample is a kind of strong acidic ferric oxide ore containing nickel, which tends to appear as a complex with argillaceous mineral. The results indicate that the ultrasonic field has a significant effect on the leaching rates of nickel and iron.Optimum leaching conditions were found as follows: size of mineral particles: 95% less than 0.074 mm; leaching temperature: 80 C; concentration of sulfuric acid: 190 g/L; liquid-solid ratio: 5:1; leaching time: 2 h; stirring speed: 400 rpm. Under these conditions, the leaching rates of nickel and iron reach 98.35% and 91.28% with the ultrasonic field exertion working 4 min every 5 min. In contrast, the leaching rates of nickel and iron are 78.84% and 80.26% after 2 h without the ultrasonic field. A product with Fe grade of 63.56% could be obtained by precipitation and roasting, the total recovery of nickel and iron reaching 95.62% and 86.50%, respectively. The reasonable recovery technology of nickel laterite ore containing a high content of limonite minerals was determined by this work.