Recent advances in developing tropical nickel agromining

A. van der Ent, G. Echevarria*, P. Erskine

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference paperAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Hyperaccumulator plants can be utilized as ‘metal crops’ in agromining operations. This emerging technology produces ‘bio-ore’ by growing ‘metal crops’ on sub-economic ore materials, such as natural ultramafic soils. In a typical application plant material is periodically harvested, followed by air-drying and incineration to produce the bio-ore intermediate. The bio-ore is of very high grade (>15 wt. % nickel), and of high purity, and may be processed into a number of different products (including nickel metal, nickel-based catalysts and pure nickel salts). Current research efforts from our team focus on Mediterranean climate field trials (Albania, Spain) and tropical climate field trials (Malaysia, Indonesia). Field-scale demonstrations are required to provide evidence of real-life performance and of economic viability. If the trials are successful, agromining may in the near future support local livelihoods with income opportunities as an alternative type of agriculture: to farm nickel.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationIMPC 2016 - 28th International Mineral Processing Congress
PublisherCanadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum
ISBN (Electronic)9781926872292
Publication statusPublished - 2016
Externally publishedYes
Event28th International Mineral Processing Congress, IMPC 2016 - Quebec City, Canada
Duration: 11 Sept 201615 Sept 2016

Publication series

NameIMPC 2016 - 28th International Mineral Processing Congress
Volume2016-September

Conference/symposium

Conference/symposium28th International Mineral Processing Congress, IMPC 2016
Country/TerritoryCanada
CityQuebec City
Period11/09/1615/09/16

Keywords

  • Agromining
  • Nickel
  • Phytomining
  • Strip-mining
  • Tropical Ultramafic Soils.

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