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Indonesia banned nickel ore exports to assert sovereignty over natural resources, boost nickel product value, and boost the economy. This strategy increased Indonesia’s influence in global trade negotiations, showed autonomy, and ensured long-term advantages. The policy prioritises domestic nickel derivative production to increase nickel product value and industry self-sufficiency. Nickel is used in Indonesia’s diplomatic and economic efforts to increase its influence on world politics and trade. The analysis explores the decision by Indonesia to implement an export ban on unprocessed nickel ore illustrates a strategic synthesis of economic nationalism and political sovereignty. This policy, vigorously promoted by President Jokowi, aligns with the broader vision to bolster Indonesia’s economic competitiveness and achieve self-sufficiency by enhancing the domestic nickel processing industry. Utilizing its substantial nickel reserves, Indonesia not only seeks to strengthen its economic position but also to assert its sovereignty in global affairs, potentially shaping international nickel market dynamics. This policy serves dual purposes: it addresses domestic economic goals and strategically positions Indonesia as an influential player in the global nickel market. Monitoring the outcomes of this policy will be crucial in understanding its impacts on Indonesia’s economy and its relations on the international stage, ensuring that the country maximizes benefits from its natural resources.

The article presents the results of physicochemical studies of nickel ore and charges based on it for smelting nickel-containing ferroalloys. Using a derivatogram, the main phase transformations of nickel ore and mixtures with various carbon-containing reducing agents, such as coal and coke, are established. The activation energy of the processes occurring during the heat treatment of nickel ore and a mixture of nickel ore with various reducing agents by non-isothermal kinetics were determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The article presents the results of physicochemical studies of nickel ore and charges based on it for smelting nickel-containing ferroalloys. Using a derivatogram, the main phase transformations of nickel ore and mixtures with various carbon-containing reducing agents, such as coal and coke, are established. The activation energy of the processes occurring during the heat treatment of nickel ore and a mixture of nickel ore with various reducing agents by non-isothermal kinetics were determined.

Development of downstream on the mining industry has been encouraged by the government of Indonesia these past years. With the increasing demand for nickel ore, the government focused on implementing downstream in this sector. Establishing an export ban and domestic processing requirement on nickel ore caused the EU to challenge Indonesia before the DSB WTO. In its report to the Panel, it was concluded that Indonesia had violated the provisions of GATT 1994. While it is understandable that Indonesia has absolute sovereignty over its natural resources, it is also bounded to international organisations and regulations, for it has expressed its consent. This paper aims to examine the analysis by the Panel on what caused Indonesia to decide as the losing party and how Indonesia would implement the development downstream in the middle of its sovereignty and obligations on an international level. Through a juridical normative method, it is concluded that Indonesia had failed to comply with the provisions of GATT 1994 that obliged it. It does not mean it has no sovereignty towards its natural resources, for it has agreed to be bound by the provisions. In order to exercise downstream development, it is recommended that Indonesia create national policies or regulations related to adhering to the provisions of the WTO. A cautious approach to governing the downstream may prevent potentially damaging disputes.

Development of downstream on the mining industry has been encouraged by the government of Indonesia these past years. With the increasing demand for nickel ore, the government focused on implementing downstream in this sector. Establishing an export ban and domestic processing requirement on nickel ore caused the EU to challenge Indonesia before the DSB WTO. In its report to the Panel, it was concluded that Indonesia had violated the provisions of GATT 1994. While it is understandable that Indonesia has absolute sovereignty over its natural resources, it is also bounded to international organisations and regulations, for it has expressed its consent. This paper aims to examine the analysis by the Panel on what caused Indonesia to decide as the losing party and how Indonesia would implement the development downstream in the middle of its sovereignty and obligations on an international level. Through a juridical normative method, it is concluded that Indonesia had failed to comply with the provisions of GATT 1994 that obliged it. It does not mean it has no sovereignty towards its natural resources, for it has agreed to be bound by the provisions. In order to exercise downstream development, it is recommended that Indonesia create national policies or regulations related to adhering to the provisions of the WTO. A cautious approach to governing the downstream may prevent potentially damaging disputes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND High-frequency infrared carbon and sulfur analyzer can be used to rapidly analyze the sulfur content in different ores with good stability. However, the analysis is greatly affected by the flux type, oxidation temperature and time for various sulfur contents and sample types. OBJECTIVES To expand the detection range of sulfur and improve the detection efficiency. METHODS A high-frequency infrared carbon and sulfur analyzer was used to study the influence of experimental conditions on the analysis results. By optimizing the sample weight, the amount of flux, and the analysis time, a method for determination of sulfur with a content of 0.74% to 32.0% in ore samples was established. RESULTS The optimized conditions were 2.8L/min oxygen flow, 45s analysis time, sample weight of 0.0400g, 0.50g pure iron and 2.0g pure tungsten as flux. The detection limit of the method verified by national standard material was 0.185%, and the limit of quantification was 0.739%. The linear correlation coefficient of calibration curve was better than 0.9995, the relative standard deviations were less than 3% (n=11) and the relative errors were less than 2%. The relative errors were all less than the allowance limit for the ores analysis of relative error obtained in accordance with DZ/T 0130—2006. The actual samples of the laboratory were determined by this method and the traditional iodine combustion method. The absolute error of the measured values between the two methods was less than 0.5%, with an extremely significant linear relationship (R2=0.9995), indicating good agreement between the two methods. CONCLUSIONS The method has high precision and low relative error. The detection limit, precision and accuracy of the established method meet the analytical requirements of the ores.

Prompt gamma neutron activation analysis of nickel ore samples was carried out using a DT portable pulsed neutron generator and a Ø 7.6 × 7.6 cm LaBr3 detector. Rock powders of nickel ore were analyzed and elements Fe, Si, S, Ni were determined by using calibration curves from standard samples. The minimum detection concentrations of Fe, Si, Ni and S determined from ore samples were 0.87, 1.50, 0.04 and 1.05 wt% respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to determine whether Indonesia’s nickel ore export restriction policy is in accordance with the principles of international economic law. It is because Indonesia’s actions in implementing quantitative restrictions on the export of nickel ore are deemed to have violated one of the principles in the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, namely the principle of prohibiting quantitative restrictions. This principle is contained in Article XI: 1 GATT. Data was collected through library research techniques. Namely by collecting and analyzing writings and literatures that are closely related to the problems that are being researched by the author, and analyzing data with descriptive analytical techniques, so that Indonesia can analyze their export restriction policies with juridical provisions in international trade law. The results shows that Indonesia’s action is in accordance with Article XI: 2 (a), which regulates the exception to Article XI: 1, with certain conditions which is a dispensation from the principle of quantitative restriction. Indonesia’s nickel ore export restrictions were also implemented to protect the environment in order to prevent scarcity and to encourage the battery industry in Indonesia to improve the economy. So that Indonesian policy is valid and can be justified by international law.

BACKGROUND: High-frequency infrared carbon and sulfur analyzer can be used to rapidly analyze the sulfur content in different ores with good stability. However, the analysis is greatly affected by the flux type, oxidation temperature and time for various sulfur contents and sample types. OBJECTIVES: To expand the detection range of sulfur and improve the detection efficiency. METHODS: A high-frequency infrared carbon and sulfur analyzer was used to study the influence of experimental conditions on the analysis results. By optimizing the sample weight, the amount of flux, and the analysis time, a method for determination of sulfur with a content of 0.74% to 32.0% in ore samples was established. RESULTS: The optimized conditions were 2.8 L/min oxygen flow, 45 s analysis time, sample weight of 0.0400 g, 0.50 g pure iron and 2.0 g pure tungsten as flux. The detection limit of the method verified by national standard material was 0.185%, and the limit of quantification was 0.739%. The linear correlation coefficient of calibration curve was better than 0.9995, the relative standard deviations were less than 3% (n=11) and the relative errors were less than 2%. The relative errors were all less than the allowance limit for the ores analysis of relative error obtained in accordance with DZ/T 0130—2006. The actual samples of the laboratory were determined by this method and the traditional iodine combustion method. The absolute error of the measured values between the two methods was less than 0.5%, with an extremely significant linear relationship (R²=0.9995), indicating good agreement between the two methods. CONCLUSIONS: The method has high precision and low relative error. The detection limit, precision and accuracy of the established method meet the analytical requirements of the ores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stability of a ship is one of the most crucial and critical aspects of its safety and navigational safety, and maritime laws and maritime ordinances govern it. The research outlines vital elements of liquefaction of bulk cargoes loaded on ships, leading to loss of ship stability and severe consequences for the crew's safety and the vessel itself. International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code divides bulk cargoes into three categories. The first category is cargoes which may liquefy. Cargo liquefaction is a severe issue for solid bulk cargo carriers. The motion of ships, especially rolling, engine, and deck equipment vibration will trigger the cargo to liquefy along with the moisture content of the cargo during the voyage. There have been 21 cases documented between 2005 and 2017, resulting in bulk carriers due to cargo liquefaction. This research aims to identify and evaluate the factors that assist in the loss of ship stability when shipping the liquefiable cargo, especially nickel ore and bauxite. The data was collected based on a questionnaire created with Google Forms and given to mariners to complete. After that, factor analysis assesses the elements contributing to the ship's stability loss due to cargo liquefaction. The most significant value found in this research is human error, and mariners should be mindful of the causes identified. More cautions should be exercised when carrying liquefiable products to avert the accidents in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nickel ore constitutes among Indonesian export commodities which have been the cause of a massive increase in exports. Another reason for the increase in the Indonesian exports was the absence of regulation on export trade for mineral and ores. This research aimed to find how the principle of the quantitative restriction outlined in GATT 1994 over the restrictions of nickel export by Indonesia was implemented. This research adopted legal research design with conceptual and statutory approach. The findings reveal that Indonesia, against which the lawsuit was filed, had to come with adequate evidence as legitimating grounds either in terms of economic or non-economic aspects, and examples of these legitimating grounds were mentioned in Article XX (g) of GATT 1994 as in the case of China -- Raw Materials, suggesting that referring to Article XX (g) of GATT 1994 must not overlook the objectives of the protection of exhaustible natural resources, including the preventive protection coming from the state. This case study would be a useful source of information for the academia and the legal practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research studied the effect of the addition of sulfur on the reduction process of limonite nickel laterite ore with Ni content of 1.11wt% and Fe 48.7wt%. The stages of the research included the characterization of ore materials, preparation, mixing, pelleting, reduction, and magnetic separation. The reduction stage was carried out with several experimental variables, which were the time and temperature of the reduction, as well as the addition of reducing agents and sulfur additives. Products from the reduction process were separated magnetically, and the concentrate was then analyzed using XRD and AAS. The results showed that the addition of sulfur additives to a certain amount could cause the formation of FeS and Fe-silicate, which could increase the content and percentage of nickel recovery by suppressing the metallization of iron. The optimum conditions were obtained in the reduction process with a temperature of 1100°C for 60 minutes, with the addition of graphite reductant and sulfur additives each of 7% of the sample weight. Ni contents in the reduction product concentrate obtained were 1.98% with 96% gain, while Fe could be reduced to 29.2% with an extraction percentage of 76.1%.

In this present study, the effect of reductant dosage, temperature and holding time on selective reduction process of high alumina-lateritic nickel ore have been investigated clearly. The lateritic nickel ore was reduced with 5 until 15 wt. % anthracite and 10 wt. % sodium sulfate at reduction temperature of 950ºC, 1050ºC and 1150°C for 60, 90, and 120 minutes. Magnetic separation process was then conducted to separate the concentrate and tailing. The analysis of reduced nickel ore is performed by the Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, X-Ray Diffraction, and Secondary Electron Microscopy. The optimal process resulted from the reduction of nickel ore with 10 wt. % anthracite at the temperature of 1050°C for 120 minutes which resulted in 0.84% nickel in concentrate. The troilite was not found in reduced ore. The iron grade increased along the increased of reduction temperature. The longer of holding time in selective reduction process increased the nickel grade but it decreased the iron grade.

Significance of the research on the metal recovery from the oxide melts is primarily associated with pyrometallurgical treatment of ferrous and non-ferrous metal ores. The main task of the oxidized nickel ore treatment process is to increase the extraction of the valuable metals with the required (10–20%) nickel content in the ferronickel and the minimal amount of admixtures. According to thermodynamic simulation methods, we evaluate the indicators obtained at iron and nickel recovery from the oxide melt. We performed two series of calculations. In the first one, we varied the working body composition against the amount of iron and nickel oxides at the constant CFeO/CNiO ratio equal to 10. In the second one, at the constant CNiO content equal to 1.8%, we varied the CFeO value for the CFeO/CNiO ratios from 10 to 20. The dosed increase of the CO amount in the working body made it possible to trace the compositions changes in the oxide (CMеO) and the metal (CMе) melts, as well as the degrees of nickel (φNi) and iron (φFe) transition to the metal state. We present the CNiO, φNi = f(C0, VCO) correlation dependencies in the form of the second order polynomials. The φNi and the φFe indicators are changed with the introduced reducing agent amount, but depend insufficiently on the initial condensed phase composition. Those are the element contents in the initial melt and the amount of the introduced reducing agent that affect the composition of the formed Fe–Ni alloy. High (65–90%) nickel content is the specific alloys feature. The φNi value of about 98% was achieved at the introduced CO amount of about 80 m3 per melt ton. In that case, the iron recovery degree is within 5%. At the CFeO/CNiO ratio equal to 10, the nickel content in the alloy is in fact independent of its oxide content in the initial ore melt and is close to 65%. A CFeO/CNiO ratio increase from 10 to 20 results in the CNi decrease from 68.5 to 52.9%, respectively. The data obtained are significant for substantiation of the technology of treatment the low-quality oxidized nickel ores aimed at release of the required ferronickel composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferronickel, currently obtained from oxidized nickel ores in various aggregates, contains from 5 to 20% of Ni. According to experiments, rich ferronickel (with a content of Ni of about 70%) can be obtained from the melt of silicate-nickel ore treated with reducing gas. The thermodynamic modeling of metallurgical processes, adapted to open systems, is used to consider the features of reducing the high-iron nickel ore from the Serovskoye deposit with carbon monoxide. The oxide melt composition used for the calculations includes 60.4 wt % of Fe2O3, 1.4 wt % of NiO, 0.14 wt % of СоО, 5.8 wt % of А12O3, 17 wt % of SiO2, 4.2 wt % of MgO, and 11.1 wt % of CaO. The simulation was carried out at a pressure of 0.1 MPa, an amount of carbon monoxide of 10.6 dm3/kg per portion, and temperatures of 1673, 1723, 1773 K. During calculations, dependencies are found that connect the content of nickel (CNiO), iron ( CFeO) and cobalt (ССoО) oxides in the oxide melt and metals in the alloy (СNi, СFe, СCo), as well as their transition degree from the metallic state (φNi, φFe , φCo) to the amount of introduced gas. The component contents in one portion of reduced metal are determined. At temperatures of 1673 to 1773 K and an introduced amount of CO of 190 dm3/kg, the respective content of Fe2O3, Fe3O4, FeO, NiO, and CoO in the oxide melt is 0.17 to 0.12%, 1.77 to 1.05%, 55.6 to 56.5%, 0.026 to 0.037%, and 0.061 to 0.068%. At a nickel reduction degree of 98%, the respective degrees of iron and cobalt reduction are 5 and 56 to 61%. An alloy formed from the reduced metals contains about 30% of Ni, 63 to 65% of Fe and 2% of Co. Thus, it is shown that the selective reduction of nickel and cobalt is possible in certain conditions. The findings from the study are significant to validating the parameters of the production process of ferronickel from oxidized high-iron nickel ores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper proposes a detailed study of the formation of the main Ni ore that is today mined in the saprock horizon of New Caledonia ophiolite. More specifically, this study aims at, i) characterizing the nature and the crystal chemistry of the main Ni-bearing phases, and ii) better understanding the weathering processes that lead to such nickel enrichment in these horizons. The study focuses on a boulder (~20 cm in diameter) sampled in the saprock facies of the Koniambo massif, reflecting the early stages of peridotite bedrock weathering. This boulder is explored with a large panel of techniques, from the centimeter to the nanometer scale, including micro-imaging and X-ray absorption spectroscopy at the Ni and Fe K -edges. A characterization along the cross section reveals important heterogeneities in textures, and a large concentration of nickel in the outer part through an intense and connected Ni-phyllosilicate network that develop at the expense of the primary lizardite network. The inner part is preserved from the weathering by supergene fluids. Primary lizardite initially contains about 0.4 wt% NiO, similarly to surrounding olivine and pyroxene. In the outer part, the main Ni-bearing phases are identified as polygonal serpentine (up to ~5 wt% NiO) and two successive generations of talc-like minerals that contain ~20 to 36 wt% NiO. In these two minerals, nickel is very likely to form nano-clusters in the octahedral layers. The Fe3+/Fe total ratios in serpentine minerals increases regularly from ~0.5 in primary lizardite, to ~0.95 in polygonal serpentine, traducing increasing local oxygen fugacity with increasing weathering degree. From molecular modeling, we propose that the large excess of water systematically observed for these Ni-rich minerals can be explained by nanometer sized crystals, which potentially require many additional hydrogen bonds (i.e., mainly silanol groups) to passivate crystal edges and preserve electro-neutrality. On the other hand, the main driving force leading to important nickel accumulation in the saprock horizon is likely to be the strong pH gradient present at all scales in the regolith profile, including at the boulder scale, which have major effects on the hydroxide solubility. As the pH decreases in the phyllosilicate network, we observe, i) the weathering and oxidation of the primary lizardite network, ii) the formation of a newly formed lizardite, iii) the formation of Ni-rich polygonal serpentine, iv) the formation of successive generations of Ni-rich talc-like minerals. Highlights • Ni-bearing minerals in saprock are of serpentine type and mainly talc-like type. • Nickel is nano-clustered in Ni-rich talc-like minerals. • Ni-rich talc-like minerals are nano-crystals with high silanol groups at the edges. • Ni enrichment is controlled by pH gradients that affect hydroxide solubility. • Ni enrichment process involves pre-existing phyllosilicate veins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acid mine drainage (AMD) generated from the mining industry elevates environmental concerns due to the pollution and contamination it causes to bodies of water. Over the years, passive treatment of AMD using alkalinity-generating materials have been widely studied with pH neutralization as its commonly observed mechanism. During the treatment process, heavy metal removal is also promoted by precipitation due to pH change or through adsorption facilitated by the mineral component of the materials. In this study, four materials were used and investigated: (1) a low grade ore (LGO) made up of goethite, calcium oxide, and manganese aluminum oxide (2–3) limestone and concrete aggregates (CA) composed of calcite, and (4) fly ash consisting of quartz, hematite, and magnetite. The performance of each alkalinity-generating agent at varying AMD/media ratios was based on the change in pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), oxidation reduction potential (EH); and heavy metals (Fe, Ni, and Al) removal and sulfate concentration reduction. Concrete aggregate displayed the most significant effect in treating AMD after raising the pH to 12.42 and removing 99% Fe, 99% Ni, 96% Al, and 57% sulfates. Afterwards, the efficiency of CA at various particle sizes were evaluated over 1 h. The smallest range at 2.00–3.35mm was observed to be most effective after 60 min, raising the pH to 6.78 and reducing 94% Fe, 78% Ni, and 92% Al, but only 28% sulfates. Larger particles of CA were able to remove higher amounts of sulfate up to 57%, similar to the jar test. Overall, CA is an effective treatment media for neutralization; however, its performance can be complemented by a second media for heavy metal and sulfate removal.

A newly designed and developed bench-top instrument is reported for laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy offering compact size and relatively low cost. A miniature laser was designed in the laboratory with a small volume and a light weight. The spectrometer was controlled using laboratory-written software. The instrument is suitable for the direct and rapid analysis of solid samples after simple pretreatment. Good stability and accuracy were achieved for quantitative analysis. The performance of the instrument was evaluated by qualitative and quantitative analyses of nickel ore for Mn, Al, Fe, Cr, Zn, Mg, Si, and Ca. The quantitative analysis showed linear calibration graphs and small relative standard deviations. The results show that the new instrument is suitable for elemental analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Nickel ore liquefaction has a direct correlation between the parameters of moisture content (MC) within the cargo and the response motion of the ship steering through its encountering weather condition at seas. The focus parameter of the potential onset of liquefaction is the amount of moisture content within the cargo. Therefore, having a moisture content below the transportable moisture limit (TML) before loading is the suggested mandatory standard of IMSBC 1 1 International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes. code for the transport of solid bulk cargoes which may liquefy. When cargo with an unsuitable/unsafe moisture content exceeding the threshold of its transportable moisture limit is loaded on board, ship's vibration and motion at sea may result in liquefaction taking place. In the worst case, the ship may develop a severe list due to cargo shift and capsize. Understanding that there is an inadequacy of scientific research works on the subject of remediation effort in liquefaction at seas and availability of closed form solution in this discipline. A response plan developed for a handymax bulk carrier liquefaction incident, with the objective to reduce the risk of capsizing and reclaim its stability by redistributing her homogeneous stowage loading on board into alternate loading is presented herein for information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By using the high frequency Infrared Absorption Spectrometric method, the determination of low levels of sulfur in ores was accurate; but not for the high sulfur content. High content sulfur in molybdenum ore and nickel ore was determined by CS-3000 High Frequency Combustion-Infrared Absorption Spectrometer in this study. The samples were burned at high-temperature and decomposed by adding the flux of the pure ion filings and tungsten grains. The measurement conditions such as sample amount, the quantity of flux and analysis time of the instrument have been optimized. The method was verified by national standard materials, the precision was less than 1% (RSD,n=9) and the sample recoveries ranged from 96.0% to 101.9%. Compared with the conventional barium sulfate gravimetric method, the accuracy of the method is less than 2% (relative error). The study focused on the matrix matching problem between samples and standard materials, and the influence of the matrix effect. The tests show that the content of sulfur between 1% and 35% in molybdenum ore and nickel ore can be determined accurately. The problem for the rapid and accurate determination of high content sulfur in molybdenum ore and nickel ore was solved.

The only available nickel ore reference material in China, which has a Ni content of 4.33%, is currently out of stock. Therefore, three nickel ore reference materials (GNi-1, GNi-2 and GNi-3) and two nickel concentrate reference materials (GNi-4 and GNi-5) have been developed and are described in this paper. The samples of nickel ore and nickel concentrate were collected from the Hongqiling Nickel deposit in Jilin province. The samples were crushed and sieved to less than 20 mesh and ground for 48 hours in a high alumina ball mill, which was filled with Ar gas in order to avoid oxidization of the sulfide, until the particles were less than 0.074 mm. The samples are stored at temperatures below 8℃. The homogeneity was tested by WD-XRF and ICP-AES, and the relative standard deviation was less than 1.0%. The F-test result, which was less than the threshold value, showed that all five samples were homogeneous. Good stability was verified by repeating the analysis four times within two years without any changes. Nineteen laboratories were involved in the inter-laboratory programme and provided 2002 values for 23 oxides and elements. Classical chemical methods such as Spectrophotometry, Volumetry and Gravimetric Analysis, were taken as the dominant methods in the determination of Ni, Cu and major oxides (SiO2, S, and Al2O3 etc). Minor and trace elements were determined by ICP-AES, ICP-MS and AAS. The estimation of certified values and uncertainty conform to ISO guide 35 and Technical Norms of Primary Reference Materials. 23 components of nickel ore were characterised as certified values. Ni concentrations for GNi-1, GNi-2 and GNi-3 were 0.11%, 0.33% and 1.02%, respectively. 19 components of nickel concentrates were characterized as certified values, 4 components were taken as reference values. Ni concentrations for GNi-4 and GNi-5 were 5.93% and 9.01%. The Ni concentrations which were selected from cut-off grade to industrial grade, have a good range and meet the requirements as the reference materials for nickel exploration and metallurgy.

In this work, a role of sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) in the flotation performance of a nickel ore was studied and mechanism was discussed in detail. The results showed that the presence of lizardite interferes with the flotation performance of pentlandite. The adsorption of SHMP at the lizardite/solution interface and the removal of magnesium ions from lizardite surface overcompensated the positive charge on the lizardite particle, and made its zeta potential negative. The interaction between lizardite and pentlandite changed from attractive to repulsive in the presence of SHMP. Thus, the addition of SHMP made the mixed sample of pentlandite and lizardite more dispersed, and significantly reduced the adverse effect of lizardite on the flotation of pentlandite. However, when the content of lizardite in the mixed ore was increased, the effect of SHMP weakened. Therefore, in flotation of a nickel ore containing a large amount of lizardite (46% w/w), SHMP usage is not suitable at the roughing stage due to the fact that lizardite in the pulp will consume most of the SHMP, and hence the removal of lizardite slimes from pentlandite surface become impossible. Based upon the results, SHMP usage is found to be suitable at the cleaning stage to improve the grade of concentrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper presents a thermodynamic analysis of chemical reactions occurring during chlorination with and without additives for both nickel oxides and nickel ferrites, which are component parts of nickel ore. The experimental research investigated the influence of temperature in the range from 600 up to 1000 °C and time (up to 3 h) on the chlorination degree of nickel ores with and without additives. It was found that the introduction of additives such as C, S, BaS and NaCl intensified the chlorination of nickel ore. The results can be applied and may help determine the optimal conditions for the chlorination of low-grade ferrous nickel ores.

The preparation and characterisation of three nickel ores and two nickel concentrate certified reference materials are described in this paper. The samples of nickel ore and nickel concentrate were collected from the Hongqiling nickel deposit in Jilin province. The raw materials were crushed and passed through a 2.0-mm sieve. The rough samples were then ground for 48 hr in a high-alumina ball mill to a final size of < 0.074 mm. Homogeneity of the samples was tested by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry ( WD- XRF) and inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry ( ICP- AES). The relative standard deviations ( RSD) of results on mass fraction measurements by WD- XRF were < 1.0% m/m for eighteen components. F-tests showed that all five samples were homogeneous. Nineteen laboratories contributed with measurement results (2127 in total) for the certification of mass fractions for twenty-three elements and compounds. Twenty-three components in the nickel ores and twenty components in the nickel concentrates were characterised as certified values, while the Ni mass fractions ranges from 0.1 to 9.02% m/m in these certified reference materials. These five samples were approved as national certified reference materials by the National Organisation of Reference Materials of China in 2012. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes the application of an empirical method to estimate the energy consumption in laboratory of the primary grinding of nickel ore with a specific mineralogical texture. This method developed by Donda was previously used in iron ore from the Iron Quadrangle (Minas Gerais, Brasil) with the same purpose. Through the grinding test, performed under standard conditions and based on the degree of liberation and percentage retained on 0.074 mm, it is possible to obtain the energy consumption for grinding. The results mean a validation of the method with a good approximation between industrial and laboratory values. In practice the energy consumption is 26.6 kWh/t and through Donda's method, when using the liberation degree as a parameter, the energy found was 26.8 kWh/t. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The liquefaction of nickel ore is widely considered to account for the capsizing and sinking of bulk carriers, but the mechanisms that lead to the incidents still remain uncertain. In this paper, the sloshing motion of fluid with high viscosity in a rectangular tank has been studied; the Level Set Method has been employed to predict the behaviours of fluid sloshing motion under the circumstances of beam seas. In a bid to evaluate the consistency of the numerical solution, a full validation has been performed. The results obtained from the simulations are in good agreement with that from the experiment. The conclusions have also been made that the collapse of the shear resistance of the fluid or increasing heeling moment acquired from the fluid sloshing after liquefaction of the nickel ore may be responsible for the capsizing and sinking of the ships. Hopefully, our conclusions can help ship owners better understand how to take precautions to prevent the ships from capsizing while carrying nickel ore or similar cargos; the results could provide the IMO with the theoretical basis for stipulating new international safe standards for bulk carriers; the numerical methodology can also help engineers to predict sloshing motion of viscous fluids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Mg, Ni, Cu and Fe were extracted from nickel ore using ammonium sulphate (AS) and bisulphate (ABS). [•] Circa 1/3 of Ni was extracted together with 80% of Mg, 75% of Cu and 40% of Fe with ABS at 450°C. [•] ABS and smaller particle size improve the extraction rate. Water presence is not always beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the safe carriage by sea of the IMSBC Code group «A» Solid Bulk Cargoes that are likely to liquefy under certain circumstances. One of such cargoes is the nickel ore. In two years' recent period it has proved to be tragic for four ships and their crews which were lost while enroute from Indonesia or Philippines to China ladden with the cargo of nickel ore intended for Chinese steel industry. The most probable reason for the loss of ships is the loss of the acquired stability and sinking due to the shift of the liquefied nickel ore in a bad weather encountered in Luzon-Taiwan range area. The lost ships were: -25 December 2011 Vinalines Queen - 3 December 2010 Hong Wei -18 November 2010 Nasco Diamond -27 October 2010 Jiang Fu Star All the above mentioned ships were «handy size» class bulk carriers of 50 000 - 60 000 dwt, figure 1. The purpose of this topic is to remind masters of ships and others involved in shipment of group A solid bulk cargoes how to assess magnitude of the risks posed by a proposed loading condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parameters of reducing the roasting of high-magnesia oxide nickel ore containing, wt %, 1.2 Ni, 0.026 Co, 17.0 FeO, 4.0 AlO, 20.2 MgO, and 46.0 SiO are evaluated. The degrees of reduction and metallization upon heating the ore with the reducing agent in the range t = 800−1250°C and the sizes of metallic inclusions forming in the course of the process are determined. To separate the phases, the magnetic separation of reducing products at H = 40 and 80 kA/m is used. The best characteristics are attained upon roasting the ore with a reducing agent and a sulfidizing agent at t = 1300°C. In this case, the magnetic fraction contains 7.1% Ni, while the nonmagnetic one contains 0.18% Ni. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Application of bioleaching of metals in a large-scale operation is reviewed briefly. Continued technical innovation is vital for the wider utilisation of this extraction process within the mineral industries. Therefore, the use of power ultrasound in combination with bioleaching (referred to as sonobioleaching) has been studied and is shown to be beneficial in the recovery of nickel from lean grade ores. The role of ultrasound in improving the benefits and lowering the drawbacks of bioleaching to an acceptable level are described. A possible mechanism for improving and intensifying this process is hypothesised. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • Percent extractions above 98% were obtained for Co2+, Mn2+, Mg2+, and SO 4 2- ions; • Percent concentrations above 145% were obtained for Co2+, Mn2+ and Mg2+ ions; • For Cr3+ ions, lower percent extractions and percent concentrations were obtained; • The lower transfer of Cr3+ ions occurred due their size, charge and concentration; • Current efficiency and energy consumption confirmed the competitive ionic transfer. Due to environmental and human health concerns, the need for cleaner techniques able to extract and recover metals from mining process solutions has been increasing. In this work, the use of electrodialysis for recovering cobalt, magnesium, manganese, and chromium ions from an acid multicomponent solution generated in the nickel laterite processing was evaluated. Values of percent extraction above 98% were obtained for Co2+, Mn2+, and Mg2+ ions. For Cr3+, the greatest percent extraction obtained was 83%. The results of percent concentration of the species showed the same trend: for Cr3+ ions, it was significantly lower than the others. Such difference in the transport of the metals through the membranes may have occurred due to the lower molar concentration, lower diffusion coefficient, and greater Stokes radius of chromium ions. Thus, the transfer of Cr3+ was hindered by the presence of other cationic species. This was also evidenced by the results of current efficiency and energy consumption associated with each species in solution. Lastly, the results of solution pH throughout the experiments and the final condition of the membranes, which were analyzed by SEM/EDS, indicated that the water dissociation phenomenon occurred at their surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nickel ore sand and its concentrate are the main sources of raw nickel materials in various countries. Due to its uneven distribution throughout the world, the international trade of nickel ore sand is also unstable. Looking for potential links in the changing international nickel ore trade can help governments find potential partners, make strategic preparations in advance, and quickly find new partners when original trade relationships break down. In this paper, we build an international nickel ore trade network using a link prediction method to find potential trade relations between countries. The results show that China and Italy, China and Denmark, China and Indonesia, and China and India are most likely to establish trade relations within five years. Finally, according to the research results, suggestions regarding the international nickel ore trade are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prior studies have revealed that capsizing and sinking of bulk carriers with highly-viscous liquefied cargoes is primarily caused by a collapse of viscous shear forces as the inertial forces of the liquefied cargoes are greater than the viscous shear forces during rolling induced by oblique waves, specifically, as vessels sailing along the north-south oriented coasts (experiencing NE or NW winds) in wintertime. Post investigations show that this occurs only when a cargo shift takes place in all cargo holds for a typical nickel ore bulk carrier with five cargo holds. Nevertheless, the studies on partial cargo shifts remain poorly understood. Although the partial cargo shifts are not likely to lead to a catastrophic consequence, it can result in a dangerous list of a few degrees for bulk carriers. Many marine accidents with the partial cargo shifts have been reported over the past decade. The instantaneous impact loads, including the horizontal sectional loads and torsional moments, previously ignored by many marine engineers, but subsequently identified by us, are actually enormous, usually resulting in not only a list of ships but also obvious or potential damage to ship's structures and deck fittings. Traditional methods are difficult to predict and calculate these exceptional loads. Here we address the horizontal sectional loads and torsional moments in oblique waves at a variety of cargo shift situations using improved Arbitrary Lagrange Euler method and Finite Volume method. The results obtained from the numerical methods are well in agreement with those acquired from the model tests, implying that the numerical simulations are more suitable for capturing and tracking the complex surface of fluid sloshing with high viscosity. • The instantaneous impact loads and torsional moments induced by partial cargo shifts have caused damage to ship's structures. • The instantaneous impact loads and torsional moments induced by partial cargo shift remain poorly understood. • Numerical simulations have demonstrated that the instantaneous impact loads and torsional moments can be huge. • Concentrated stresses in some sectional locations of ships highlight demand for an enhancement of ship's structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]