2026 Acquah Nickel Cobalt Extraction from Lateritic Ores

The accelerating transition to low carbon energy systems has intensified the demand for nickel and cobalt from low-grade (<1.5 wt.%) refractory lateritic ores. This study aims to address the challenges and explore opportunities in the extraction of these metals from complex low-grade ores. We employed a combination of selective comminution-classification, mechanical activation through stirred-media milling, and thermal calcination as pre-treatment methods to enhance Ni–Co leaching efficiency. By implementing ore-specific hydrometallurgical routes, including high-pressure acid leaching (HPAL) for limonite and atmospheric leaching (AL) for saprolite, we assessed their influence on acid consumption and recovery of valuable metals. Additionally, we introduced Resin in Moist Mix (RIMM) technology to integrate leaching with ion exchange, aiming for simplified processing with reduced capital costs. Our results indicate that targeted downstream processing, aided by the generation of Ni-rich fines and Co-rich coarse fractions, can significantly improve extraction performance. This work not only highlights the potential for optimizing extraction methodologies but also sets the foundation for future research into more efficient processes for recovering valuable metals from low-grade lateritic ores.