Investigation of Solid Residues Obtained After Oxidized Nickel Ore Leaching

Abstract

Leaching residues of oxidized nickel ores is studied. According to the results of chemical analysis, it is found that with 62% extraction of nickel into the solution residues contain, wt.%: 0.58 Ni, 0.016 Co, 14.35 Fe, 9.08 Mg, 1.96 Al, and 21.16 Si. With 89% extraction residues contain, wt.%: 0.26 Ni, 0.001 Co, 6.5 Fe, 9.12 Mg, 1.46 Al, and 26.45 Si. The grain size composition of leaching residues is studied. It is found that the amount of fine fraction (– 2.5 + 0 mm) in the residues with 89% extraction almost doubles compared with the initial ore, and the amount of coarse fraction (– 21.5 + 10 mm) is halved. X-ray phase and X-ray microanalysis methods are used in the work to study residues from leaching oxidized nickel ores (ONO). With extraction of 62% of nickel from ONO nickel is detected predominantly in talc, iron oxides, and siliceous iron oxides. Nickel is not detected in leaching residues with 89% recovery.