Awaruite (Ni3Fe), a new large nickel resource: Electrochemical characterization and surface composition under flotation-related conditions

Seiler, Santiago; Sánchez, G.; Téliz, Erika; Díaz, Verónica; Bradshaw, Peter; Klein, Bern

doi:10.1016/j.mineng.2022.107656

Cited by 6 publications

(6 citation statements)

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“…The effect of the acidic conditions on the awaruite flotation has been discussed in a previous microflotation study by the same authors [21]. The results of single mineral experiments and voltammograms showed that the surface of awaruite is activated in weakly acidic conditions (buffer pH 4.6) by the dissolution of the passivation layer that forms under neutral and alkaline conditions.…”

Section: Nickel Recoveriesmentioning

confidence: 84%

“…However, limited information is available on the flotation conditions required to effectively concentrate awaruite. Single mineral experiments performed by the authors of this manuscript showed that awaruite readily floats in acidic conditions in the presence of xanthate [21]. The surface of awaruite passivates under neutral and alkaline conditions, thus impeding the interaction between the xanthate collector and the metallic phase.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 80%

“…For the rougher flotation tests, the collector was added to the cell after 10 min of conditioning at stable pH values, and the suspension with the collector was allowed to condition for 2 min. The conditioning time was selected based on a previous work carried out by the authors [21]. After collector conditioning time, the frother was added, and the suspension was conditioned for 1 min more before starting the collection of the first concentrate.…”

Section: Bench Flotationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The chemisorption of xanthate leads to the formation of nickel xanthate on the active sites. The chemisorption can be seen as an intermediate reaction on the oxidation of xanthate, where the adsorbed xanthate species further oxidize into dixanthogen [21].…”

Section: Nickel Recoveriesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The surface of awaruite passivates under neutral and alkaline conditions, thus impeding the interaction between the xanthate collector and the metallic phase. Under acidic conditions, the oxide coating is dissolved, exposing the metallic phase and thereby activating the interaction between the surface and the collector [21].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Awaruite, a New Large Nickel Resource: Flotation under Weakly Acidic Conditions

Seiler,

Sánchez,

Pawlik

et al. 2023

Minerals

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To support the transformation to clean low carbon technologies, there is a demand for critical metals such as nickel. Awaruite is a less common nickel-bearing mineral with unique properties and responses to mineral separation. This paper presents the findings of a flotation study to recover awaruite from the Baptiste ultramafic deposit, located in central British Columbia, Canada. Nickel recoveries of up to 65% at the rougher stage were obtained with xanthate as a collector at a pH level of 4.5. Awaruite flotation was shown to be highly dependent on the slurry pH. At weakly acidic conditions, the awaruite surface is activated through the dissolution of the passivation layer formed during grinding in alkaline conditions. Desliming was shown to reduce the acid consumption required to maintain the pH, probably by removing the highly reactive serpentine slimes generated during grinding. Rougher, followed by cleaner stages of flotation, showed that a high-grade concentrate can be produced with up to 45% nickel, 1.3% cobalt, 0.7% copper and negligible concentrations of penalty elements, such as arsenic, lead, and selenium, among others. A nickel flotation concentrate from an awaruite deposit is a promising feedstock for not only stainless-steel production but also for clean energy technologies.

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Section: Nickel Recoveriesmentioning

confidence: 84%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 80%

Section: Bench Flotationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Nickel Recoveriesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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