Nickel Recovery Optimization and Kinetic Study from Morowali Laterite Ore

Abstract

Today, nickel plays a critical role in the industry. However, the presence of this metal in its primary source of sulfide minerals is decreasing. The focus of exploration has since turned to laterite ore, which contains up to 80% nickel metal. The purpose of this study is to optimize nickel leaching using sulfuric acid and to conduct kinetic analysis to discover the mechanism that best controls the leaching process. To optimize operating conditions, the response surface method (RSM) with box behnken design is used. The shrinking core model and the Zhuravlev, Leshokin, and Templeman (ZLT) model were used to assess the kinetics of the nickel leaching process. Mineral characterization was also performed to gain a better understanding of the sample's characteristics. At 2 M sulfuric acid, 10% S/L ratio, and 90 oC, the highest nickel recovery of 85% was observed. The obtained apparent activation energy is 32.78 kJ/mol.