STUDY OF NICKEL LATERITE ORE EXTRACTION BY BIOLEACHING METHOD : A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

• Main Author: Gabriel, Daryl
• Format: Final Project
• Language: Indonesia
• Subjects: Metalurgi
• Online Access: https://digilib.itb.ac.id/gdl/view/54283
• Institution: Institut Teknologi Bandung

Nickel is a valuable resource that is used in various industrial practice. Nickel is often used in various products such as stainless steel, superalloy, battery, chemical, etc. With the advancement of technology such as electric vehicle, further increasing the demand of nickel. Presently nickel production mostly comes from sulfide deposit. However, worldwide reserve of nickel sulfide are diminishing due to high demand of the metal. This promotes the production of nickel from laterite deposit. Recovery of nickel laterite deposit mostly done through traditional methods, pyrometallurgy and hydrometallurgy. This method have high energy requirements, high operational cost, and produce waste that is harmful for the environment. Bioleaching process can be used as an alternative method that is economical and environmentally friendly. This study will discuss research related to bioleaching of nickel laterite, including factors that affected the process of bioleaching through the review of previous research. The study begins with searching information related to nickel metals, such as, characteristics, application, and nickel ore deposit. Then, collecting information and literatures regarding the extraction of nickel laterite through pyrometallurgy, hydrometallurgy, and bioleaching methods. Previous research regarding bioleaching of nickel laterite with the help of bacteria and fungi are analyzed, including factors that affected the bioleaching process. The optimum value of each factor in bioleaching was affected by pulp density, particle size, and nutrition. The result of the discussion are summarized and flow diagram of bioleaching nickel laterite with the help of bacteria and fungi are proposed. Based on the studies, bioleaching of nickel laterite can be done with the help of bacteria and fungi in order to produce nickel metal. However, the recovery process of the solution is still minimum and need further study. Main factors that affected bioleaching of nickel laterite are pulp density, particle size, and nutrition. The result of the discussion generates flow diagram of bioleaching nickel laterite with the help of bacteria and fungi.