Review of the past, present, and future of the hydrometallurgical production of nickel and cobalt from lateritic ores

Authors

Srdjan Stanković Bundesanstalt für Geowissenschaften und Rohstoffe, Stilleweg 2, Hannover, Germany
Srećko Stopić IME Proces Metallurgy and Metal Recycling, RWTH Aachen University, Intzestrasse 3, 52056 Aachen, Germany
Miroslav Sokić Institute for Technology of Nuclear and Other Mineral Raw Materials, Franchet d’Esperey Boulevard 86, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Branislav Marković Institute for Technology of Nuclear and Other Mineral Raw Materials, Franchet d’Esperey Boulevard 86, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Bernd Friedrich IME Proces Metallurgy and Metal Recycling, RWTH Aachen University, Intzestrasse 3, 52056 Aachen, Germany

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30544/513

Keywords:

hydrometallurgy; laterites; nickel; cobalt

Abstract

Laterite ores are becoming the most important global source of nickel and cobalt. Pyrometallurgical processing of the laterites is still a dominant technology, but the share of nickel and cobalt produced by the application of various hydrometallurgical technologies is increasing. Hydrometallurgy is a less energy-demanding process, resulting in lower operational costs and environmental impacts. This review covers past technologies for hydrometallurgical processing of nickel and cobalt (Caron), current technologies (high-pressure acid leaching, atmospheric leaching, heap leaching), developing technologies (Direct nickel, Neomet) as well as prospective biotechnologies (Ferredox process).

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Published

2020-07-22

How to Cite

Stanković, Srdjan, Srećko Stopić, Miroslav Sokić, Branislav Marković, and Bernd Friedrich. 2020. “Review of the Past, Present, and Future of the Hydrometallurgical Production of Nickel and Cobalt from Lateritic Ores”. Metallurgical and Materials Engineering 26 (2):199-208. https://doi.org/10.30544/513.

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Issue

Vol. 26 No. 2 (2020): Hydrometallurgical operations and processes

Section

Hydrometallurgical operations and processes

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Copyright (c) 2020 Srdjan Stanković, Srećko Stopić, Miroslav Sokić, Branislav Marković, Bernd Friedrich

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