GUATEMALA Toronto-based JAGUAR NICKEL has successfully completed the second mini-pilot-plant campaign on ores from its laterite properties in this country. Using the company's proprietary atmospheric chloride leach process (ACLP), the campaign achieved nickel and cobalt extractions averaging 87% and 85%, respectively, from head grades of 1.3-1.4% Ni, 0.03-0.05% Co, 21-25% Fe and 6.5-7.6% Mg. During the pilot campaign, it was observed at times that nickel and cobalt extractions attained 97% and 95%, respectively.
The tests were conducted in the Mississauga, Ont., laboratory of PROCESS RESEARCH ORTECH.
In comprehensive laboratory testing, it has been clearly demonstrated that iron extraction out of the leach circuit can be maintained at less than or equal to 0.1%. This confirms a key and fundamental feature of the ACLP and indicates that a secondary iron purification circuit may not be necessary, which could result in potential capital and operating cost savings.
In a further process development, preliminary laboratory testing has shown that cobalt values can be efficiently and effectively separated from nickel hydroxide in the high strength chloride solutions that are a feature of the ACLP, generating a very high purity cobalt product which should command a premium in the marketplace.
More details on Jaguar's projects are posted at www.JaguarNickel.com.
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