Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Relationship between process mineralogical characterization and beneficiability of low-grade laterite nickel ore

低品位红土镍矿的工艺矿物学表征与可选性关系

  • Published:
Journal of Central South University Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Process mineralogy of low-grade laterite nickel ore in Indonesia was systematically characterized and the beneficiation process of mineral components such as limonite, serpentine and chromite was studied on the basis of process mineralogy. The results show that the low-grade laterite nickel ore is a typical weathering sedimentary metamorphic oxidized ore, with the main valuable elements of Ni, Co and Cr and the main mineral components of limonite, serpentine, chromite, etc. There is no independent carrier mineral of Ni and Co in the raw ore, and the occurrence states of Ni and Co are relatively dispersed. For the limonite in laterite nickel mine, the nickel bearing magnetite concentrate with nickel grade of 1.98% and recovery rate of 88.42% can be obtained by reduction roasting magnetic separation process. For the serpentine in laterite nickel mine, the cobalt bearing concentrate with Co grade of 0.17% and recovery rate of 23.17% can be obtained by positive and reverse flotation process. A chromium concentrate containing 35.17% Cr2O3 and a recovery of 33.42% can be obtained by using the combined process of coarse and fine classification and gravity and magnetic.

摘要

对印尼低品位红土镍矿进行了系统的工艺矿物学表征, 并在工艺矿物学表征的基础上对褐铁 矿、蛇纹石和铬铁矿等矿物组分进行可选性研究. 结果表明, 该低品位红土镍矿属于典型的风化沉积 变质型氧化矿, 主要有价成分为Ni、Co 和Cr, 主要矿物组成为褐铁矿、蛇纹石、铬铁矿等, 未见有 Ni 和Co的独立载体矿物. Ni 和Co赋存状态较为分散, 通过选矿方法来富集Ni 和Co难度较大; Cr 则 主要赋存于铬铁矿中, 可以通过选矿方法来富集Cr; 高温可以促进褐铁矿向磁铁矿的转变. 针对红土 镍矿中的褐铁矿采用还原焙烧磁选工艺可以获得含镍品位1.98%, 回收率88.42%的含镍磁选精矿; 针 对红土镍矿中的蛇纹石采用先正后反的浮选工艺可获得含钴品位0.17%, 回收率为23.17%的含钴精 矿; 针对红土镍矿中的铬铁矿采用粗细分级-重磁联合工艺可获得含Cr2O3品位为35.17%、回收率为 33.42%的铬精矿.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. SRINIVASAN S, KALE C, HORNBUCKLE B C, DARLING K A, PERALTA P, SOLANKI K N. Thermomechanical response of an ultrafine-grained nickel-yttrium alloy [J]. Scripta Materialia, 2020, 187: 434–438. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scriptamat.2020.06.068.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. YUAN S D, YANG C X, JIANG G D, XIONG J, AI Q, HUANG R Z. Research progress in nickel-rich ternary materials for lithium-ion batteries [J]. Journal of Materials Engineering, 2019, 47(10): 1–9. DOI: https://doi.org/10.11868/j.issn.1001-4381.2018.001301.

    Google Scholar 

  3. GUSEV V Y, BAIGACHEVA E V, GOGOLISHVILI V O. Azo derivatives of pyrocatechol, resorcinol, and salicylic acid as collectors for sulfide ore flotation [J]. Russian Journal of Applied Chemistry, 2019, 92(12): 1734–1744. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1134/S1070427219120150.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. MUDD G M. Global trends and environmental issues in nickel mining: sulfides versus laterites [J]. Ore Geology Reviews, 2010, 38(1, 2): 9–26. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2010.05.003.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. KIRJAVAINEN V, HEISKANEN K. Some factors that affect beneficiation of sulphide nickel - copper ores [J]. Minerals Engineering, 2007, 20(7): 629–633. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2007.01.001.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. CIFTCI H, ATIK S, GURBUZ F. Biocatalytic and chemical leaching of a low-grade nickel laterite ore [J]. Metallurgical Research & amp; Technology, 2018, 115(3): 305. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1051/metal/2018006.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. ALKHIRBASH S A. Mineralogical characterization of low-grade nickel laterites from the North Oman Mountains: Using mineral liberation analyses - scanning electron microscopy-based automated quantitative mineralogy [J]. Ore Geology Reviews, 2020, 120: 103429. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2020.103429.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. ZHANG H, NGUYEN H, BUI X N, TRUNG N T, BUI T T, NGUYEN N, VU D A, MAHESH V, MOAYEDI H. Developing a novel artificial intelligence model to estimate the capital cost of mining projects using deep neural network-based ant colony optimization algorithm [J]. Resource Policy, 2020, 66: 101604. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resourpol.2020.101604.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. ZHANG Y Y, QIE J M, WANG X F, CUI K K, FU T, WANG J, QI Y H. Mineralogical characteristics of the nickel laterite, southeast Ophiolite belt, Sulawesi island, Indonesia [J]. Mining Metallurgy & amp; Exploration, 2020, 37(1): 79–91. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42461-019-00147-y.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. FARROKHPAY S, FILIPPOV L. Challenges in processing nickel laterite ores by flotation [J]. International Journal of Mineral Processing, 2016, 151: 29–67. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.minpro.2016.04.007.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. BRODSKAYA R L, MARIN Y B. Ontogenic analysis of mineral individuals at micro and nanolevel for the restoration of ore-forming conditions and assessment of minerals processing properties [J]. Journal of Mining Institute, 2016, 219: 369–376. DOI: https://doi.org/10.18454/PMJ.2010.3.369.

    Google Scholar 

  12. ZHU D Q, CUI Y, HAPUGODA S, VINING K, PAN J. Mineralogy and crystal chemistry of a low grade nickel laterite ore [J]. Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China, 2012, 22(4): 907–916. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S1003-6326(11)61264-8.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. RUBISOV D H, KROWINKEL J M, PAPANGELAKIS V G. Sulphuric acid pressure leaching of laterites-universal kinetics of nickel dissolution for limonites and limonitic/saprolitic blends [J]. Hydrometallurgy, 2000, 58(1): 1–11. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0304-386X(00)00094-3.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. WANG B Q, GUO Q, WEI G Y, ZHANG P Y, QU J K, QI T. Characterization and atmospheric hydrochloric acid leaching of a limonitic laterite from Indonesia [J]. Hydrometallurgy, 2012, 129: 7–13. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hydromet.2012.06.017.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. XU C L, ZHONG C B, LYU R L, RUAN Y Y, ZHANG Z Y, CHI R A. Process mineralogy of Weishan rare earth ore by MLA [J]. Journal of Rare Earths, 2019, 37(3): 334–338. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jre.2018.06.008.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. FAN R, GERSON A R. Mineralogical characterisation of Indonesian laterites prior to and post atmospheric leaching [J]. Hydrometallurgy, 2013, 134: 102–109. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hydromet.2013.02.004.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. BASILE A, HUGHES J, MCFARLANE A J, BHARGAVA S K. Development of a model for serpentine quantification in nickel laterite minerals by infrared spectroscopy [J]. Minerals Engineering, 2009, 23(5): 407–412. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2009.11.018.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. MURTHY Y R, TRIPATHY S K, KUMAR C R. Chrome ore beneficiation challenges & amp; opportunities—A review [J]. Minerals Engineering, 2011, 24(5): 375–380. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2010.12.001.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. KHASSEN B, BALTYNOVA N, DAKHNO L. Investigation of dephosphorization of brown iron ore concentrates by sintering and magnetic beneficiation [J]. International Journal of Mineral Processing, 2014, 126: 136–140. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.minpro.2013.11.013.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. LI G H, SHI T M, RAO M J J, JIANG T, ZHANG Y B. Beneficiation of nickeliferous laterite by reduction roasting in the presence of sodium sulfate [J]. Minerals Engineering, 2012, 32: 19–26. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2012.03.012.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. FARROKHPAY S, FILIPPOV L, FORNASIERO D. Preconcentration of nickel in laterite ores using physical separation methods [J]. Minerals Engineering, 2019, 141: 105892. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2019.105892.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. LIU D Z, ZHANG G F, HUANG G H, GAO Y W, WANG M T. The flotation separation of pyrite from serpentine using lemon yellow as selective depressant [J]. Colloids and Surfaces A, 2019, 581: 123823. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfa.2019.123823.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. GALLIOS G P, DEHYANNI E A, PELEKA E N, MATIS K A. Flotation of chromite and serpentine [J]. Separation and Purification Technology, 2007, 55(2): 232–237. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2006.12.015.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. ZHAO W J, LIU D W, FENG Q C. Enhancement of salicylhydroxamic acid adsorption by Pb(II) modified hemimorphite surfaces and its effect on floatability [J]. Minerals Engineering, 2020, 152: 106373. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2020.106373.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. HAN G, WEN S M, WANG H, FENG Q C. Selective adsorption mechanism of salicylic acid on pyrite surfaces and its application in flotation separation of chalcopyrite from pyrite [J]. Separation and Purification Technology, 2020, 240: 116650. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2020.116650.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. GULSOY O Y, GULCAN E. A new method for gravity separation: Vibrating table gravity concentrator [J]. Separation and Purification Technology, 2019, 211: 124–134. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2018.09.074.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. TRIPATHY S K, MURTHY Y R, SINGH V, SURESH N. Processing of ferruginous chromite ore by dry high-intensity magnetic separation [J]. Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy Review, 2016, 37(3): 196–210. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/08827508.2016.1168418.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. TRIPATHY S K, MURTHY Y R, SINGH V. Characterisation and separation studies of Indian chromite beneficiation plant tailing [J]. International Journal of Mineral Processing, 2013, 122: 47–53. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.minpro.2013.04.008.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenyang Ligong University, Shenyang, 110819, China

    Peng-yun Xu  (许鹏云) & Chuang Li  (李闯)

  2. State Key Laboratory of Mineral Processing, Beijing, 102628, China

    Peng-yun Xu  (许鹏云) & Jian-fang Su  (苏建芳)

  3. GEM Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, 518101, China

    Peng-yun Xu  (许鹏云), Qiang Wang  (王强) & Hao Fang  (方浩)

  4. College of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China

    Peng-yun Xu  (许鹏云) & Xue-yi Guo  (郭学益)

  5. College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China

    Qi Yu  (余琪)

Authors
  1. Peng-yun Xu  (许鹏云)
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Qiang Wang  (王强)
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Chuang Li  (李闯)
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Qi Yu  (余琪)
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Hao Fang  (方浩)
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Jian-fang Su  (苏建芳)
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Xue-yi Guo  (郭学益)
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Chuang Li  (李闯).

Additional information

Foundation item

Project(2019M653082) supported by the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation; Project(BGRIMM-KJSKL-2020-02) supported by the Found of State Key Laboratory of Mineral Processing, China

Contributors

The overarching research goals were developed by XU Peng-yun, GUO Xue-yi and LI Chuang. XU Peng-yun, LI Chuang and FANG Hao provided experimental data and analyzed the experimental data. SU Jian-fang and WANG Qiang provided project administration. XU Peng-yun, LI Chuang, YU Qi and FANG Hao edited the draft of manuscript. All authors replied to reviewers’ comments and revised the final version.

Conflict of interest

XU Peng-yun, WANG Qiang, LI Chuang, YU Qi, FANG Hao, SU Jian-fang and GUO Xue-yi declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Xu, Py., Wang, Q., Li, C. et al. Relationship between process mineralogical characterization and beneficiability of low-grade laterite nickel ore. J. Cent. South Univ. 28, 3061–3073 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-021-4794-7

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-021-4794-7

Key words

关键词

Search

Navigation