| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2025 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Innovative Hydrometallurgical Technologies for Environmentally Benign Processing and Remediation: An EPD Symposium Honoring Fiona Doyle
|
| Presentation Title |
Hydrometallurgical Treatment of Nickel Saprolite Ores Using the Atlas Materials Process for Sustainable Critical Material Supply |
| Author(s) |
David Bruce Dreisinger |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
David Bruce Dreisinger |
| Abstract Scope |
Nickel saprolite ores typically contain 1.5-2% Ni with <0.1% Co and are processed using pyrometallurgical techniques to form ferro-nickel, nickel pig iron or nickel matte. The existing processes are energy intensive and produce large amounts of slag and carbon dioxide emissions. The Atlas Materials Process uses hydrometallurgical extraction of nickel, cobalt, magnesium and other elements to produce a nickel/cobalt-containing mixed hydroxide precipitate, a silica residue for cement making and a variety of magnesium product streams. The process uses hydrochloric acid extraction and uses sustainable energy to regenerate acid via the chlor-alkali process or similar processes to provide a low carbon route to nickel and cobalt recovery. The results of process development testing including bench and pilot plant operation will be presented. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Extraction and Processing, Hydrometallurgy, Sustainability |