If we can get the grades of 20% nickel in concentrate with 90% recovery, I personelly think the project will go ahead.
This new process of segregation roasting(or new to me) sounds quite exciting for laterite nickel.
This is an extract taken from yesterdays quartely.
The technology involves segregation roasting to process the nickel ore. Segregation roasting heats finely ground ore in the presence of a reductant. The nickel iron and cobalt oxides reduce to their metallic state forming small particles of metal alloy. This metal alloy is recovered by further grinding and magnetic separation. The process forms a high quality iron nickel cobalt alloy concentrate, and recycles reagents to reduce costs. Concentrate grades of 10-12% nickel with recoveries in the region of 80% are targeted for Yerilla ores. Historical data and commissioning of the pilot plant have reported grades in excess of 20% nickel in the concentrate and up to 90% recoveries. Refinements to the technology were introduced by Chinese researchers with the objective of improving the efficiency of the process.
Cheers.
HRR Price at posting:
26.0¢ Sentiment: LT Buy Disclosure: Held