PRESSURE LEACHING OF ÇALDAĞ LATERITIC NICKEL ORE

This thesis explores the pressure leaching process for extracting nickel from Çaldağ lateritic nickel ore, aiming to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of metal recovery. The objective focuses on optimizing the operational parameters such as temperature, pressure, and acidity levels to achieve higher nickel yields. A systematic experimental approach was employed, utilizing a series of laboratory-scale tests to evaluate the impact of different leaching conditions on nickel solubility and recovery rates. The methodology included both chemical analyses of leachate and solid residues to ascertain the optimal leaching parameters. Results indicated that increasing temperature and pressure significantly improved the leaching efficiency, with optimal conditions yielding a considerable increase in the recovery of nickel. Additionally, the study evaluated the stability of the formed nickel hydroxides at varying pH levels, which exhibited a relationship with the leaching rates. Overall, the findings contribute to the understanding of leaching mechanisms pertinent to lateritic nickel ores and present a viable process for industrial application. Furthermore, the implications of this research extend towards improving sustainable practices in nickel extraction methodologies.