Review on hydrometallurgical processing technology of lateritic nickel ore for the last 20 years in the world

In recent years, there has been an increased demand for nickel-cobalt-containing batteries, which in turn adds a of interest in the production of these metals in large volumes. Due to a contraction of the volume of nickel sulfide ores, the majority of producers consider laterite deposits as a potential source of nickel and cobalt. However, processing laterites by traditional pyrometallurgical methods is economically unprofitable. Research has shown that the use combined and hydrometallurgical methods can be promising. This article is devoted to a review of the results of research and articles on the extraction of nickel and cobalt from laterite ores over the past 20 years. Current technological schemes for the production of nickel and cobalt using combined manufacturing processes are presented, as well the results of scientific research on increasing the recovery degree of nickel and cobalt from low-grade refractory laterite ores using preliminary activating roasting, various leaching reagents, oxidizing agents, bacteria, etc. Growing interest in nickel production has also been observed in Kazakhstan and research work on the extraction of target metals from local laterite ores is being intensively carried out. According to the investors' forecast, the first mining in the and full of nickel are in 2025.