Nickel recovery from lateritic ore in the presence of ferric iron using bispicolyamine chelating resin.

Dow Water Solutions' bipicolyamine (BisPA) chelating resin XUS-43578 could be used to recover nickel from laterite leach solutions. In the pH range of 1-3, its selectivity for nickel over iron allows the recovery of nickel without the prior precipitation of iron. The results of laboratory studies into its use in continuous ion exchange (CIX) are presented and discussed. These were at a proof of concept level, but indicate that its use in nickel laterite processing could eliminate several precipitation stages, with a consequent reduction in both nickel losses and the capital costs of the plant.
Dow Water Solutions' bipicolyamine (BisPA) chelating resin XUS-43578 could be used to recover nickel from laterite leach solutions. In the pH range of 1-3, its selectivity for nickel over iron allows the recovery of nickel without the prior precipitation of iron. The results of laboratory studies into its use in continuous ion exchange (CIX) are presented and discussed. These were at a proof of concept level, but indicate that its use in nickel laterite processing could eliminate several precipitation stages, with a consequent reduction in both nickel losses and the capital costs of the plant.