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Kinetics of Atmospheric Leaching from a Brazilian Nickel Laterite Ore Allied to Redox Potential Control

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Abstract

The kinetics of atmospheric sulfuric acid leaching from a Brazilian nickel laterite ore was assessed using distinct reducing agents and ore mineralogy. This transitional ore contains 1.63% Ni distributed as 1.27% in coarse size (− 500 + 150 μm), mainly as silicates (lizardite and chlorite — 28.6%), and 2.06% in the fines fraction (− 75 μm), mainly as iron oxy-hydroxides (goethite and hematite — 49%). The effects of temperature, acid concentration, reducing reagent type, and concentration were evaluated. The − 75 μm fraction limited the leaching efficiency and the use of reducing media with thiosulfate improved leaching and Ni-Fe selectivity. However, at constant Eh of 626–743 mV and a pH range between 0.2 and 1.1, no substantial rise in metals extraction, except for Co and Mn, has been observed. In order to determine the process control at 95 °C, two regions in the extraction curves were used in combination with the shrinking core model. Control by porous diffusion was observed and the kinetic constant was found to be in the order kFe<kNi<kMn<kCo<kMg for atmospheric leaching without Eh control. In reducing media for the first 15 min of leaching, the kinetic constant was found to be kFe<kNi<kMg≅kCo<kMn as derived from Ni disseminated into iron oxides structures.

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Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank Brazilian research agencies FAPEMIG (Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais), CAPES (Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior) and CNPq (Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Project Number 308044/2018-5) for financial support. The authors are also thankful to Vale Institute of Technology, and to Centro de Microscopia of Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais for analysis supports.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departament of Mining Engineering, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil

    A. L. A. Santos, P. R. M. Viana, R. M. Papini & S. D. F. Rocha

  2. Institute of Engineering, Science and Technology, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Janaúba, MG, 39447-790, Brazil

    E. M. A. Becheleni

  3. Vale Institute of Technology, Ouro Preto, MG, 35400-000, Brazil

    F. P. C. Silvas

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Santos, A.L.A., Becheleni, E.M.A., Viana, P.R.M. et al. Kinetics of Atmospheric Leaching from a Brazilian Nickel Laterite Ore Allied to Redox Potential Control. Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration 38, 187–201 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42461-020-00310-w

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