RECOVERY OF NICKEL BY LIQUID ION EXCHANGE TECHNOLOGY

Greater emphasis is being placed on recovering nickel from laterite ores by ammonia leaching techniques. New methods are required for lower cost, non-polluting techniques to separate more efficiently the metals of interest. Liquid ion exchange techniques meet these requirements with the added advantage of producing salable electrowon nickel cathodes at the plant site. This study presents a complete solvent extraction-electrowinning process, including preliminary engineering and cost data for a typical plant capable of producing 50 million pounds of nickel per year. The methodology incorporates laboratory research investigations alongside corresponding economic evaluations to present a comprehensive picture of the viability and efficiency of the liquid ion exchange method for nickel recovery. The findings indicate that liquid ion exchange technology not only meets the technical demands of the industry but also addresses economic concerns while aligning with environmental protections. This research ultimately contributes to advancing nickel recovery processes, ensuring the sustainability and profitability of operations within the nickel industry.