Process Research Ortech Inc.

Robert J DeLaat

Ramamritham Sridhar

Vaikuntam Iyer Lakshmanan

Jonathan Chen

M A Halim

Md Abdul Halim

The invention provides a process for the leaching of a laterite ore or concentrate for the recovery of value metals, at least one value metal being nickel. The laterite ore or concentrate is subjected to a leaching step with a lixiviant comprising hydrochloric acid to leach nickel from the laterite ore. Nickel is extracted with an oxime at a lower pH than other processes for extraction of nickel from solution, especially after separation of iron and cobalt values.

Recovery of nickel in leaching of laterite ores

The invention provides a process for the leaching of a laterite ore, concentrate, tailings or waste rock for the recovery of value metals, at least one value metal being nickel. The laterite ore or concentrate is subjected to a leaching step with a lixiviant comprising hydrochloric acid to leach nickel from the laterite ore, followed by a liquid/solids separation step. The liquid obtained is subject to solvent extraction with a dialkyl ketone, to obtain a solution rich in iron and a raffinate. Separation of iron from cobalt and nickel is obtained.

Growing community of inventors

Georgetown, Canada

Robert J DeLaat