Abstract
Despite nickel-bearing sulfide deposits having a large share of the world's nickel extraction, lateritic ore deposits contain more than 70% of the world's nickel reserves. Considering the limitations of producing nickel from sulfide reserves, the use of oxide reserves (laterites) for the production of nickel will be of great importance in the future. In this chapter, the applications of nickel and cobalt in various industries were described. Nickel and cobalt are mainly used in alloys of other metals. In addition, the most effective methods for extracting nickel and cobalt from lateritic nickel ores were examined. Due to the need for high energy, pyrometallurgical methods, as well as acid leaching, which uses a high amount of acid, are rarely used today. Therefore, the bacterial and fungal leaching methods (bioleaching), which is another hydrometallurgical process, and their mechanisms were explained. Bioleaching is a new prospective method for extracting valuable elements from hard-to-treat ores. The benefits of bioleaching low-grade ores are numerous in comparison to traditional methods due to their simplicity, using unskilled labor, low capital and operating costs, low energy consumption, and also the lowest negative environmental effects. In this processing operation, metals are dissolved from low-grade deposits by using microorganisms and their metabolic products. In addition, the final concentrations of iron in PLS can be decreased by biological methods. The most effective factors in the bioleaching process such as pH, size of sample particles, type of microorganism species, type of substrate, amount of inoculation, type of produced metabolic acid, the pulp solid to liquid ratio, salinity, temperature, and leaching time were explained. Heterotrophic bacteria such as Aspergillus, Penicillium, Pseudomonas, and Delftia were also successful at dissolving laterites, in addition to autotrophic bacteria such as At.ferrooxidans and At.thiooxidans. The presence of O2 is considered a key factor in increasing the bio-reduction dissolution of nickel and cobalt of iron-containing minerals. In addition, high temperature, low density, and pH gained a higher dissolution rate of nickel and cobalt. The main mechanisms for autotrophic acidophilic (iron-oxidizing) and iron-reducing (dissimilatory iron-reducing bacteria) were acidolysis and redoxolysis. In general, biological dissolution and chemical control, respectively, had a greater effect compared with chemical dissolution and diffusion control on the dissolution rate of nickel and cobalt from the laterites. It was found that optimizing factors that affect the bioleaching of nickel and cobalt from nickel-containing laterites greatly increased the dissolution rate, recovered nickel and cobalt, and reduced iron dissolution.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Agatzini-Leonardou, S., & Zafiratos, I. G. (2004). Beneficiation of a Greek serpentinic nickeliferous ore Part II. Sulphuric acid heap and agitation leaching. Hydrometallurgy, 74(3–4), 267–275.
Agatzini-Leonardou, S., Zafiratos, I. G., & Spathis, D. (2004). Beneficiation of a Greek serpentinic nickeliferous ore: Part I. Mineral processing. Hydrometallurgy, 74(3–4), 259–265.
Ahmadi, A., Khezri, M., Abdollahzadeh, A. A., & Askari, M. (2015). Bioleaching of copper, nickel and cobalt from the low grade sulfidic tailing of Golgohar Iron Mine, Iran. Hydrometallurgy, 154, 1–8.
Astuti, W., Hirajima, T., Sasaki, K., & Okibe, N. (2016). Comparison of effectiveness of citric acid and other acids in leaching of low-grade Indonesian saprolitic ores. Minerals Engineering, 85, 1–16.
Barrionuevo, M., & Vullo, D. L. (2012). Bacterial swimming, swarming and chemotactic response to heavy metal presence: Which could be the influence on wastewater biotreatment efficiency? World Journal of Microbiology & Biotechnology, 28, 2813–2825.
Behera, S. K., & Mulaba-Bafubiandi, A. F. (2015). Advances in microbial leaching processes for nickel extraction from lateritic minerals-A review. Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering, 32(8), 1447–1454.
Beukes, J., Giesekke, E., & Elliott, W. (2000). Nickel retention by goethite and hematite. Minerals Engineering, 13(14–15), 1573–1579.
Biswas, S., Dey, R., Mukherjee, S., Banerjee, P. C. (2013a). Bioleaching of nickel and cobalt from lateritic chromite overburden using the culture filtrate of aspergillus niger. Applied biochemistry and biotechnology, 170(7), 1547–1559.
Biswas, S., Samanta, S., Dey, R., Mukherjee, S., Banerjee, P. C. (2013b). Microbial leaching of chromite overburden from Sukinda mines, Orissa, India using aspergillus niger. International Journal of Minerals, Metallurgy, and Materials, 20(8), 705–712.
Borja, D., Nguyen, K. A., Silva, R. A., Park, J. H., Gupta, V., Han, Y., Lee, Y., & Kim, H. (2016). Experiences and future challenges of bioleaching research in South Korea. Minerals, 6(4), 128.
Buyukakinci, E. (2008). Extraction of nickel from lateritic ores. Yüksek Lisans Tezi, Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi.
Büyükakinci, E., & Topkaya, Y. (2009). Extraction of nickel from lateritic ores at atmospheric pressure with agitation leaching. Hydrometallurgy, 97(1–2), 33–38.
Cabrera, G., Gomez, J. M., Cantero, D. (2005). Kinetic study of ferrous sulphate oxidation of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans in the presence of heavy metal ions. Enzyme and Microbial Technology, 36, 301–306.
Castro, I. M., Fieto, J. L. R., Vieira, R. X., Trópia, M. J. M., Campos, L. M. M., Paniago, E. B., Brandão, R. L. (2000). Bioleaching of zinc and nickel from silicates using Aspergillus niger cultures. Hydrometallurgy, 57, 39–49.
Chaerun, S. K., Alting, S. A., Mubarok, M. Z., & Sanwani, E. (2016). Bacterial bioleaching of low grade nickel limonite and saprolite ores by mixotrophic bacteria. In E3S web of conferences. EDP Sciences.
Chaerun, S. K., Minwal, W. P., & Mubarok, M. Z. (2017). Indirect bioleaching of low-grade nickel limonite and saprolite ores using fungal metabolic organic acids generated by Aspergillus niger. Hydrometallurgy, 174, 29–37.
Chang, J. H., Hocheng, H., Chang, H. Y., & Shih, A. (2008). Metal removal rate of Thiobacillus thiooxidans without pre-secreted metabolite. Journal of Materials Processing Technology, 201, 560–564.
Chang, Y., Zhai, X., Li, B., & Fu, Y. (2010). Removal of iron from acidic leach liquor of lateritic nickel ore by goethite precipitate. Hydrometallurgy, 101(1–2), 84–87.
Chang, Y., Zhao, K., & Pešić, B. (2016). Selective leaching of nickel from prereduced limonitic laterite under moderate HPAL conditions-Part I: Dissolution. Journal of Mining and Metallurgy B: Metallurgy, 52(2), 127–134.
Ciftci, H., Atik, S. (2017). Microbial leaching of metals from a lateritic nickel ore by pure and mixed cultures of mesophilic acidophiles. Metallurgical Research & Technology, 114(5), 508.
Ciftci, H., Atik, S., Gurbuz, F. (2018). Biocatalytic and chemical leaching of a low-grade nickel laterite ore. Metallurgical Research & Technology, 115(3), 305.
Coto, O., Galizia, F., Hernández, I., Marrero, J., & Donati, E. (2008). Cobalt and nickel recoveries from laterite tailings by organic and inorganic bio-acids. Hydrometallurgy, 94, 18–22.
Dalvi, A. D., Bacon, W. G., & Osborne, R. C. (2004). The past and the future of nickel laterites. In PDAC 2004 International Convention, Trade Show & Investors Exchange. The prospectors and Developers Association of Canada.
Das, G., & De Lange, J. (2011). Reductive atmospheric acid leaching of West Australian smectitic nickel laterite in the presence of sulphur dioxide and copper (II). Hydrometallurgy, 105(3–4), 264–269.
de Alvarenga Oliveira, V., Rodrigues, M. L. M., & Leao, V. A. (2021). Reduction roasting and bioleaching of a limonite ore. Hydrometallurgy, 200, 105554.
Doshi, J., & Mishra, S. D. (2007). Bioleaching of lateritic nickel ore using chemolithotrophic micro organisms (Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans). A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of bachelor of technology in chemical engineering, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela.
du Plessis, C. A., Slabbert, W., Hallberg, K. B., & Johnson, D. B. (2011). Ferredox: A biohydrometallurgical processing concept for limonitic nickel laterites. Hydrometallurgy, 109, 221–229.
Dusengemungu, L., Kasali, G., Gwanama, C., & Mubemba, B. (2021). Overview of fungal bioleaching of metals. Environmental Advances, 5, 100083.
Esther, J., Pattanaik, A., Pradhan, N., & Sukla, L. B. (2020). Applications of dissimilatory iron reducing bacteria (DIRB) for recovery of Ni and Co from low-grade lateritic nickel ore. Materials Today: Proceedings, 30, 351–354.
Fatahi, M., Noaparast, M., & Shafaei, S. Z. (2014). Nickel extraction from low grade laterite by agitation leaching at atmospheric pressure. International Journal of Mining Science and Technology, 24(4), 543–548.
Gadd, G. M. (2001). Microbial metal transformations. The Journal of Microbiology, 39(2), 83–88.
Giese, E. C., Carpen, H. L., Bertolino, L. C., & Schneider, C. L. (2019). Characterization and bioleaching of nickel laterite ore using Bacillus subtilis strain. Biotechnology Progress, 35(6), e2860.
Girgin, I., Obut, A., & Üçyildiz, A. (2011). Dissolution behaviour of a Turkish lateritic nickel ore. Minerals Engineering, 24(7), 603–609.
Golyshina, O. V., Pivovarova, T. A., Karavaiko, G. I., Kondratéva, T. F., Moore, E. R., Abraham, W. R., Lünsdorf, H., Timmis, K. N., Yakimov, M. M., & Golyshin, P. N. (2000). Ferroplasma acidiphilum gen. nov., sp. nov., an acidophilic, autotrophic, ferrous-iron-oxidizing, cell-wall-lacking, mesophilic member of the Ferroplasmaceae fam. nov., comprising a distinct lineage of the Archaea. International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology, 50(3), 997–1006.
Gomes, J., & Steiner, W. (2004). The biocatalytic potential of extremophiles and extremozymes. Food Technol. Biotechnol., 42(4), 223–235.
Hallberg, K. B., Grail, B. M., du Plessis, C. A., & Johnson, D. B. (2011). Reductive dissolution of ferric iron minerals: A new approach for bio-processing nickel laterites. Minerals Engineering, 24, 620–624.
Hosseini Nasab, M., Noaparast, M., & Abdollahi, H. (2021). Direct and indirect bioleaching of Co and Ni from iron rich laterite ore using Delftia acidovorans and Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans. Journal of Mining and Environment, 12(2), 471–489.
Jang, H. C., & Valix, M. (2017). Overcoming the bacteriostatic effects of heavy metals on Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans for direct bioleaching of saprolitic Ni laterite ores. Hydrometallurgy, 168, 21–25.
Javanshir, S., Mofrad, Z. H., & Azargoon, A. (2018). Atmospheric pressure leaching of nickel from a low-grade nickel-bearing ore. Physicochemical Problems of Mineral Processing, 54(3), 890–900.
Johnson, D. B. (2012). Reductive dissolution of minerals and selective recovery of metals using acidophilic iron- and sulfate-reducing acidophiles. Hydrometallurgy, 127–128, 172–177.
Johnson, D. B., Grail, B. M., & Hallberg, K. B. (2013). A new direction for biomining: Extraction of metals by reductive dissolution of oxidized ores. Minerals, 3, 49–58.
Johnson, D. B., & Hallberg, K. B. (2003). The microbiology of acidic mine waters. Research in Microbiology, 154(7), 466–473.
Johnson, D. B., McGinness, S. (1991). Ferric iron reduction by acidophilic heterotrophic bacteria. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 57, 207–211.
Karidakis, T., Agatzini-Leonardou, S., & Neou-Syngouna, P. (2005). Removal of magnesium from nickel laterite leach liquors by chemical precipitation using calcium hydroxide and the potential use of the precipitate as a filler material. Hydrometallurgy, 76(1–2), 105–114.
Kawabe, Y., Inoue, C., Suto, K., Chida, T. (2003). Inhibitory effect of high concentrations of ferric ions on the activity of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans. Journal of Bioscience and Bioengineering, 96, 375–379.
Kelly, D. P., & Wood, A. P. (2000). Reclassification of some species of Thiobacillus to the newly designated genera Acidithiobacillus gen. nov., Halothiobacillus gen. nov. and Thermithiobacillus gen. nov. International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology, 50(2), 511–516.
Kim, J., Dodbiba, G., Tanno, H., Okaya, K., Matsuo, S., & Fujita, T. (2010). Calcination of low-grade laterite for concentration of Ni by magnetic separation. Minerals Engineering, 23(4), 282–288.
Krstev, B., Krstev. A., Golomeova, M., & Golomeov, B. (2012). The recent trends and perspectives of leaching or bioleaching from nickel oxided ores. In Scientific Proceedings IX International Congress “Machines, Technologies, Materials” (pp. 107–109).
Kursunoglu, S., & Kaya, M. (2016). Atmospheric pressure acid leaching of Caldag lateritic nickel ore. International Journal of Mineral Processing, 150, 1–8.
Le, L., Tang, J., Ryan, D., & Valix, M. (2006). Bioleaching nickel laterite ores using multi-metal tolerant Aspergillus foetidus organism. Minerals Engineering, 19(12), 1259–1265.
Lee, H. Y., Kim, S. G., & Oh, J. K. (2005). Electrochemical leaching of nickel from low-grade laterites. Hydrometallurgy, 77(3–4), 263–268.
Li, D., Kyung-ho, P., Wu, Z., & Xue-yi, G. (2010). Response surface design for nickel recovery from laterite by sulfation-roasting-leaching process. Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China, 20, 92–96.
Li, G. H., Rao, M. J., Qian, L., Peng, Z. W., & Jiang, T. (2010). Extraction of cobalt from laterite ores by citric acid in presence of ammonium bifluoride. Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China, 20(8), 1517–1520.
Li, G., Zhou, Q., Zhu, Z., & Jiang, T. (2018). Selective leaching of nickel and cobalt from limonitic laterite using phosphoric acid: An alternative for value-added processing of laterite. Journal of Cleaner Production, 189, 620–626.
Li, J., Li, X., Hu, Q., Wang, Z., Zhou, Y., Zheng, J., Liu, W., & Li, L. (2009). Effect of pre-roasting on leaching of laterite. Hydrometallurgy, 99(1–2), 84–88.
Li, S., Zhong, H., Hu, Y., Zhao, J., He, Z., & Gu, G. (2014). Bioleaching of a low-grade nickel–copper sulfide by mixture of four thermophiles. Bioresource Technology, 153, 300–306.
Liu, K., Chen, Q., & Hu, H. (2009). Comparative leaching of minerals by sulphuric acid in a Chinese ferruginous nickel laterite ore. Hydrometallurgy, 98(3–4), 281–286.
Luo, W., Feng, Q., Ou, L., Zhang, G., & Lu, Y. (2009). Fast dissolution of nickel from a lizardite-rich saprolitic laterite by sulphuric acid at atmospheric pressure. Hydrometallurgy, 96(1–2), 171–175.
Luptakova, A., & Kusnierova, M. (2005). Bioremediation of acid mine drainage contaminated by SRB. Hydrometallurgy, 77(1–2), 97–102.
MacCarthy, J., Nosrati, A., Skinner, W., & Addai-Mensah, J. (2014). Atmospheric acid leaching of nickel laterite: Effect of temperature, particle size and mineralogy. In Chemeca, Processing excellence; Powering our future (p. 1273). Western Australia.
Marrero, J., Coto, O., Goldmann, S., Graupner, T., & Schippers, A. (2015). Recovery of Nickel and cobalt from laterite tailings by reductive dissolution under aerobic conditions using Acidithiobacillus species. Environmental Science and Technology, 49, 6674–6682.
Marrero, J., Coto, O., & Schippers, A. (2017). Anaerobic and aerobic reductive dissolutions of iron-rich nickel laterite overburden by Acidithiobacillus. Hydrometallurgy, 168, 49–55.
McDonald, R. G., & Whittington, B. I. (2008a). Atmospheric acid leaching of nickel laterites review: Part I. Sulphuric acid technologies. Hydrometallurgy, 91(1–4), 35–55.
McDonald, R., & Whittington, B. (2008b). Atmospheric acid leaching of nickel laterites review. Part II. Chloride and bio-technologies. Hydrometallurgy, 91(1–4), 56–69.
Mohapatra, S., Bohidar, S., Pradhan, N., Kar, R. N., & Sukla, L. B. (2007). Microbial extraction of nickel from Sukinda chromite overburden by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans and Aspergillus strains. Hydrometallurgy, 85, 1–8.
Mohapatra, S., Sengupta, C., Nayak, B. D., Sukla, L. B., & Mishra, B. K. (2009a). Biological leaching of nickel and cobalt from lateritic nickel ore of Sukinda mines. Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering, 26(1), 108–114.
Mohapatra, S., Pradhan, N., Mohanty, S., & Sukla, L. B. (2009b). Recovery of nickel from lateritic nickel ore using Aspergillus niger and optimization of parameters. Minerals Engineering, 22(3), 311–313.
Molchanov, S., Gendel, Y., Lahav, O. (2007). Improved experimental and computational methodology for determining the kinetic equation and the extant kinetic constants of Fe(II) oxidation by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 73, 1742–1752.
Morel, M. A., Iriarte, A., Jara, E., Musto, H., & Sowinski, S. C. (2016). Revealing the biotechnological potential of Delftia sp. JD2 by a genomic approach. AIMS Bioengineering, 3(2), 156–175.
Moskalyk, R., & Alfantazi, A. (2002). Nickel laterite processing and electrowinning practice. Minerals Engineering, 15(8), 593–605.
Mubarok, M. Z., Kusuma, H., Minwal, W. P., & Chaerun, S. K. (2013). Effects of several parameters on nickel extraction from laterite ore by direct bioelaching using Aspergillus niger and acid rock drainage from coal mine as an organic substrate. In Advanced materials research. Trans Tech Publ.
Mulroy, D. (2019). The microbiology of lateritic Co-Ni-bearing manganese oxides.
Nasab, M. H., Noaparast, M., Abdollahi, H., & Amoozegar, M. A. (2020a). Indirect bioleaching of Co and Ni from iron rich laterite ore, using metabolic carboxylic acids generated by P. putida, P. koreensis, P. bilaji and A. niger. Hydrometallurgy, 193, 105309.
Nasab, M. H., Noaparast, M., Abdollahi, H., & Amoozegar, M. A. (2020b). Kinetics of two-step bioleaching of Ni and Co from iron rich-laterite using supernatant metabolites produced by Salinivibrio kushneri as halophilic bacterium. Hydrometallurgy, 195, 105387.
Natarajan, K. A., Iwasaki, I. (1983). Role of galvanic interactions in the bioleaching of Duluth gabbro copper-nickel sulfides. Separation Science and Technology, 18, 1095–1111.
Newsome, L., Arguedas, A. S., Coker, V. S., Boothman, C., & Lloyd, J. R. (2020). Manganese and cobalt redox cycling in laterites; Biogeochemical and bioprocessing implications. Chemical Geology, 531, 119330.
Nicol, M. J., & Zainol, Z. (2003). The development of a resin-in-pulp process for the recovery of nickel and cobalt from laterite leach slurries. International Journal of Mineral Processing, 72(1–4), 407–415.
Nordstrom, D. K., Alpers, C. N., Ptacek, C. J., & Blowes, D. W. (2000). Negative pH and extremely acidic mine waters from Iron Mountain, California. Environmental Science and Technology, 34(2), 254–258.
Norgate, T., & Jahanshahi, S. (2011). Assessing the energy and greenhouse gas footprints of nickel laterite processing. Minerals Engineering, 24(7), 698–707.
Ojumu, T. V., Petersen, J., Searby, G. E., Hansford, G. S. (2006). A review of rate equations proposed for the microbial ferrous-iron oxidation with a view to application to heap bioleaching. Hydrometallurgy, 83, 21–28.
Onal, M. A. R., & Topkaya, Y. A. (2014). Pressure acid leaching of Caldag lateritic nickel ore: An alternative to heap leaching. Hydrometallurgy, 1(42), 98–107.
Pawlowska, A., & Sadowski, Z. (2017). Influence of chemical and biogenic leaching on surface area and particle size of laterite ore. Physicochemical Problems of Mineral Processing, 53(2), 869–877.
Petrus, H., Wanta, K. C., Setiawan, H., Perdana, I., & Astuti, W. (2018). Effect of pulp density and particle size on indirect bioleaching of Pomalaa nickel laterite using metabolic citric acid. In IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering. IOP Publishing.
Pronk, J. T., Liem, K., Bos, P., Kuenen, J. G. (1991). Energy transduction by anaerobic ferric iron reduction in Thiobacillus ferrooxidan. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 57, 2063–2068.
Rampelotto, P. (2013). Extremophiles and extreme environments. Life, 3(3), 482–485.
Rasti, S., & Rajabzadeh, M. A. (2017). Mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of serpentinite-derived Ni-bearing laterites from Fars Province, Iran: Implications for the Lateritization process and classification of Ni-laterites. International Journal of Geological and Environmental Engineering, 11(7), 603–608.
Rothschild, L. J., & Mancinelli, R. L. (2001). Life in extreme environments. Nature, 409(6823), 1092–1101.
Sadat, A. S., Ahmadi, A., & Zilouei, H. (2016). Separation of Cu from dilute Cu–Ni–Co bearing bioleach solutions using solvent extraction with Chemorex CP-150. Separation Science and Technology, 51(18), 2903–2912.
Sahu, S., Kavuri, N., & Kundu, M. (2011). Dissolution kinetics of nickel laterite ore using different secondary metabolic acids. Brazilian Journal of Chemical Engineering, 28(2), 251–258.
Santos, A. L., Dybowska, A., Schofield, P. F., Herrington, R. J., & Johnson, D. B. (2020). Sulfur-enhanced reductive bioprocessing of cobalt-bearing materials for base metals recovery. Hydrometallurgy, 195, 105396.
Santos, L. R. G., Barbosa, A. F., Souza, A. D., & Leão, V. A. (2006). Bioleaching of a complex nickel–iron concentrate by mesophile bacteria. Minerals Engineering, 19(12), 1251–1258.
Simate, G. S., & Ndlovu, S. (2007). Characterisation of factors in the bacterial leaching of nickel laterites using statistical design of experiments. In Advanced Materials Research. Trans Tech Publ.
Simate, G., Ndlovu, S., & Gericke, M. (2009a). The effect of elemental sulphur and pyrite on the leaching of nickel laterites using chemolithotrophic bacteria. In Hydrometallurgy Conference.
Simate, G. S., & Ndlovu, S. (2008). Bacterial leaching of nickel laterites using chemolithotrophic microorganisms: Identifying influential factors using statistical design of experiments. International Journal of Mineral Processing, 88, 31–36.
Simate, G. S., Ndlovu, S., & Gericke, M. (2009b). Bacterial leaching of nickel laterites using chemolithotrophic microorganisms: Process optimization using response surface methodology and central composite rotatable design. Hydrometallurgy, 98, 241–246.
Simate, G. S., Ndlovu, S., & Walubita, L. F. (2010). The fungal and chemolithotrophic leaching of nickel laterites—Challenges and opportunities. Hydrometallurgy, 103(1–4), 150–157.
Smith, S. L., Grail, B. M., & Johnson, D. B. (2017). Reductive bioprocessing of cobalt-bearing limonitic laterites. Minerals Engineering, 106, 86–90.
Stankovic, S., Stopic, S., Sokic, M., Markovic, B., & Friedrich, B. (2020). Review of the past, present and future of the hydrometallurgical production of nickel and cobalt from lateritic ores. Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, 26(2), 199–208.
Swamy, K., Narayana, K., & Misra, V. N. (2005). Bioleaching with ultrasound. Ultrasonics Sonochemistry, 12(4), 301–306.
Tang, J., & Valix, M. (2004). Leaching of low-grade nickel ores by fungi metabolic acids. In Proceedings of Separations Technology VI: New Perspectives on Very Large-Scale Operations (pp. 1–16).
Tang, J., & Valix, M. (2006). Leaching of low grade limonite and nontronite ores by fungi metabolic acids. Minerals Engineering, 19(12), 1274–1279.
Thangavelu, V., Tang, J., Ryan, D., & Valix, M. (2006). Effect of saline stress on fungi metabolism and biological leaching of weathered saprolite ores. Minerals Engineering, 19(12), 1266–1273.
Toni, D. B. J., & Bridge, A. M. (2000). Reductive dissolution of ferric iron minerals by Acidiphilium SJH. Geomicrobiology Journal, 17(3), 193–206.
Ubalde, M. C., Brana, V., Sueiro, F., Morel, M. A., Martinez-Rosales, C., Marquez, C., & Castro-Sowinski, S. (2012). The versatility of Delftia sp. isolates as tools for bioremediation and biofertilization technologies. Current Microbiology, 64, 597–603.
Valix, M., & Cheung, W. (2002). Study of phase transformation of laterite ores at high temperature. Minerals Engineering, 15(8), 607–612.
Valix, M., Thangavelu, V., Ryan, D., & Tang, J. (2009). Using halotolerant Aspergillus foetidus in bioleaching nickel laterite ore. International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 3(3–4), 253–264.
Valix, M., Usai, F., & Malik, R. (2001a). Fungal bio-leaching of low grade laterite ores. Minerals Engineering, 14(2), 197–203.
Valix, M., Tang, J. Y., Malik, R. (2001b). The electro-sorption properties of nickel on laterite gangue leached with an organic chelating acid. Minerals Engineering, 14(2), 2005–2215.
Watling, H. R. (2008). The bioleaching of nickel-copper sulfides. Hydrometallurgy, 91, 70–88.
Whittington, B., McDonald, R. G., Johnson, J. A., & Muir, D. M. (2003a). Pressure acid leaching of arid-region nickel laterite ore: Part I: Effect of water quality. Hydrometallurgy, 70(1–3), 31–46.
Whittington, B., McDonald, R. G., Johnson, J. A., & Muir, D. M. (2003b). Pressure acid leaching of arid-region nickel laterite ore: Part II. Effect of ore type. Hydrometallurgy, 70(1–3), 47–62.
Wu, A., Zhang, Y., Zheng, C., Dai, Y., Liu, Y., Zeng, J., Gu, G., & Liu, J. (2008). Purification and enzymatic characteristics of cysteine desulfurase, IscS, in Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans ATCC 23270. Transactions of the Nonferrous Metals Society of China, 18, 1450–1457.
Yang, Y., Ferrier, J., Csetenyi, L., & Gadd, G. M. (2019). Direct and indirect bioleaching of cobalt from low grade laterite and pyritic ores by Aspergillus niger. Geomicrobiology Journal, 36(10), 940–949.
Zou, G., Papirio, S., van Hullebusch, E. D., & Puhakka, J. A. (2015). Fluidized-bed denitrification of mining water tolerates high nickel concentrations. Bioresource Technology, 179, 284–290.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2024 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Abdollahi, H., Hosseini Nasab, M., Yadollahi, A. (2024). Bioleaching of Lateritic Nickel Ores. In: Panda, S., Mishra, S., Akcil, A., Van Hullebusch, E.D. (eds) Biotechnological Innovations in the Mineral-Metal Industry. Advances in Science, Technology & Innovation. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-43625-3_3
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-43625-3_3
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-031-43624-6
Online ISBN: 978-3-031-43625-3
eBook Packages: Earth and Environmental ScienceEarth and Environmental Science (R0)