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Leaching Ni and Co from Saprolitic Laterite Ore by Employing Atmospheric Acid Leaching Solution with High Concentration of FeCl3 at Mild Conditions

  • METALLURGY OF NONFERROUS METALS
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Abstract

Limonitic and saprolitic laterite ores are used to produce Ni by employing different kinds of processes. Acid leaching is an energy-saving process for pure Ni metal production. The high concentration of Fe in atmospheric acid leaching solution caused difficulties in metal-ions separation. In this work, saprolitic laterite ore was leached by atmospheric acid leaching solution of limonitic laterite ore at moderate temperatures. Conditions affecting the leaching of valuable metals and the conversion ratio of Fe were investigated. The results showed that optimal output was obtained after 1.5 h of leaching at 150°C with 1.0 liquid/solid ratio (volume/weight). X-ray diffraction analysis and mineral liberation analysis indicate that some nickel was adsorbed by leached residues, resulting in the loss of nickel. The physiochemical properties of leached residues could be changed due to the presence of Al and Cr. The decrease in zeta potential and the increase in specific surface area resulted in the increase of Ni adsorption.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors wish to thank them for continuous support over the course of the project.

Funding

This work was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 51704175), the Fundamental Research Funds of Shandong University (Grant No. 2016GN011), and National Science Foundation for Distinguished Young Scholars of China (Grant No. 51125018).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, 250100, Jinan, China

    Zhang Peiyu

  2. National Engineering Laboratory for Hydrometallurgical Cleaner Production Technology, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100190, Beijing, China

    Guo Qiang, Qu Jingkui & Qi Tao

Authors
  1. Zhang Peiyu
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  2. Guo Qiang
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  3. Qu Jingkui
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  4. Qi Tao
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Correspondence to Guo Qiang or Qu Jingkui.

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Zhang Peiyu, Qiang, G., Jingkui, Q. et al. Leaching Ni and Co from Saprolitic Laterite Ore by Employing Atmospheric Acid Leaching Solution with High Concentration of FeCl3 at Mild Conditions. Russ. J. Non-ferrous Metals 61, 42–48 (2020). https://doi.org/10.3103/S1067821220010113

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.3103/S1067821220010113

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