Improvements in the Ammonium Carbonate Leaching Process During the Treatment of Oxidized Nickel Ores

Based on the experimental data obtained in a volume of solution of 25 dm in a periodic installation for the carbonate-ammonia leaching of Nicaro factory reduced minerals, it was established that the reaction of the oxidation of the Fe (II) up to the moment of maximum cobalt extractions is of zero order. The existing correlation between the constant of speed of oxidation of Ni and Co and the specific mass of speed of air in the different leaching zones according to the behaviour of the iron during its oxidation has been demonstrated. Some alternatives arc suggested to improve the leaching operation with the objective of reaching extraction of cobalt higher than 60% while Ni is at 80%.