This paper presents a methodology for studying low grade lateritic nickel ore, which usually presents complex mineralogy, with widespread nickel in several mineral phases. The study is focused on determining the miner...This paper presents a methodology for studying low grade lateritic nickel ore, which usually presents complex mineralogy, with widespread nickel in several mineral phases. The study is focused on determining the mineralogy and the distribution of nickel in the bearing minerals. Laboratory assays comprise homogenization, sampling and particle size analysis. Chemical analyses by X-ray fluorescence are performed in all fractions sizes, while mineralogical assessments by X-ray diffraction are carried out for head sample. The mineralogical composition of the samples and the partition of main elements in the bearing minerals are assayed by size fraction through automated image analysis software (MLA) coupled to a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The chemical compositions of the several minerals identified in MLA are determined during systematic observations on SEM with energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS).展开更多
New attention has been given to the resources of rare earth minerals over the last years. The natural shortage of these elements in the Earth’s crust and trade restrictions recently imposed by China, motivated the Br...New attention has been given to the resources of rare earth minerals over the last years. The natural shortage of these elements in the Earth’s crust and trade restrictions recently imposed by China, motivated the Brazilian Government to encourage new projects by inserting the exploitation of rare earths in the National Mining Plan, which deals with industry strategic issues in the country, helping to reduce current importation. The incentives can be in the choice of future targets for mineral exploration and for the development of laboratory studies and pilot scale processing tests.展开更多
文摘This paper presents a methodology for studying low grade lateritic nickel ore, which usually presents complex mineralogy, with widespread nickel in several mineral phases. The study is focused on determining the mineralogy and the distribution of nickel in the bearing minerals. Laboratory assays comprise homogenization, sampling and particle size analysis. Chemical analyses by X-ray fluorescence are performed in all fractions sizes, while mineralogical assessments by X-ray diffraction are carried out for head sample. The mineralogical composition of the samples and the partition of main elements in the bearing minerals are assayed by size fraction through automated image analysis software (MLA) coupled to a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The chemical compositions of the several minerals identified in MLA are determined during systematic observations on SEM with energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS).
文摘New attention has been given to the resources of rare earth minerals over the last years. The natural shortage of these elements in the Earth’s crust and trade restrictions recently imposed by China, motivated the Brazilian Government to encourage new projects by inserting the exploitation of rare earths in the National Mining Plan, which deals with industry strategic issues in the country, helping to reduce current importation. The incentives can be in the choice of future targets for mineral exploration and for the development of laboratory studies and pilot scale processing tests.
