Characterization of Nickeliferous Laterite of Sukinda in Cuttack District, Orissa

Abstract

Weathering experiments have been carried out in laboratory with peridotitic rocks 10 understand the mechanism of mobilization and pattern of dispersion of nickel in vertical profile. Since goethite constitutes the principal mineral constituent in the nickeliferous laterite, synthetic goethite has been precipitated at various pH levels and in presence of varying nickel content in solution. The distribution of nickel in the precipitates has been recognised in terms of crystallinity and particle size of the goethite phase. The observation has been correlated with natural laterite samples collected from vertical profiles of Sukinda lateritic field. It is observed that while the amorphous hydrated iron-oxide has acted as a scavenger of cobalt and nickel from the precipitating solution, the nickel cations tend to inhibit crystallization of goethite. The present finding is considered useful for extraction of the metal from the lateritic matrix.