Introduction

The utilisation of nickel is dominated by the stainless steel industry, which accounts for approximately 70% of demand for primary nickel. Since 2001, world output of stainless steel has increased at an average rate of almost 10%pa, driven by China where growth has averaged over 50%pa over the same period. At these growth rates China will overtake Japan as the largest primary nickel consuming country. The outlook for nickel demand to 2010 is one of higher than average growth than that for the other base metals.

The chemical and physical properties of Nickel are quite unique.The bulk of the nickel mined comes from two types of ore deposits:  The first are laterites and the second are magmatic sulfide deposits. Nickel laterites offer a huge resource base which has the potential to provide a much greater share of global nickel production which is currently dominated by nickel sulphide resources. However, nickel laterites are difficult to exploit due to their complex mineralogy, notoriously low grade and high processing costs.

METS has experience in pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical nickel extraction and is involved in the current world focus on lateritic Nickel on several fronts.

Course Benefits

The METS Nickel Extraction Short Course provides a concise overview of the specific unit processes associated with nickel processing. With a strong market for nickel and the growth of new projects there is unprecedented demand for personnel with expertise in nickel production.

The course includes sound technical information regarding nickel geological occurrence, mineralogy and mining techniques as well as factors to be considered in blending of ores from a processing perspective. Comminution and beneficiation (including froth flotation) of ore are discussed at length. Detailed information on a range of hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical extraction process are included. Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss issues they have encountered with their plant processes.

Participants are provided with comprehensive course notes on CD covering the basic theoretical and practical aspects of nickel processing. This will serve as a valuable resource for later reference.

Speaker

Damian Connelly - Director/Principal Consulting Engineer
Mineral Engineering Technical Services
Damian has over 40 years experience as a Consulting Metallurgist. He has extensive experience in the gold, copper, lead, zinc, uranium and iron ore industries.His field of expertise lies in plant operations, feasibility studies, detailed design, and commissioning. He has been involved in many projects including engineering, audit, due diligence, tenders and expert witness work.

METS' training courses have been run both in Australia and overseas, and are highly regarded.

Who Should Attend?

The course is designed to provide key knowledge of nickel extraction to mining executives, project managers, geologists, senior mine and processing plant operating staff, engineers and researchers. The course can also benefit training providers, suppliers to the resource industry, technologist, accountants, brokers and investors.

Course Programme

• Introduction
• Mineralogy of Nickel ores
• Nickel Ore Comminution
• Beneficiation processes & Froth Flotation for Nickel
• Bio and Hydrometallurgy of Nickel including heap leaching
• Pyrometallurgy of Nickel
• Mond Process for Nickel Purification
• Environmental aspects of nickel processing and smelting
• Essential market intelligence for successful business planning

  Click here to download our Nickel Extraction Short Course Brochure