Abstract
Laterite ore is one of the important sources of nickel (Ni). However, it is difficult to liberate Ni from ore structure during reduction roasting. This paper provided an effective way for a robust recovery of Ni from laterite ore by H(2) reduction using sodium thiosulfate (Na(2)S(2)O(3)) as a promoter. . It was found that a Ni content of 9.97% and a Ni recovery of 99.24% were achieved with 20 wt% Na(2)S(2)O(3) at 1,100°C. The promoting mechanism of Na(2)S(2)O(3) in laterite ore reduction by H(2) was also investigated. The thermogravimetric results suggested the formation of Na(2)Mg(2)SiO(7), Na(2)SO(3), Na(2)SO(4), and S during the pyrolysis of laterite with Na(2)S(2)O(3), among which the alkali metal salts could destroy the structures of nickel-bearing silicate minerals and hence release Ni, while S could participate in the formation of the low-melting-point eutectic phase of FeS-Fe. The formation of low-melting-point phases were further verified by the morphology analysis, which could improve the aggregation of Ni-Fe particles due to the capillary forces of FeS-Fe as well as the enhanced element migration by the liquid phase of sodium silicates during reduction.