Abstract:A novel process was proposed for the activation pretreatment of limonitic laterite ores by Na₂CO₃ roasting. Dechromization and dealumination kinetics of the laterite ores and the effect of particle size, Na₂CO₃-ore mass ratio, and roasting temperature on Cr and Al extraction were studied. Experimental results indicate that the extraction rates of Cr and Al are up to 99% and 82%, respectively, under the optimal particle size of 44–74 μm, Na₂CO₃-to-ore mass ratio of 0.6:1, and temperature of 1000 °C. Dechromization within the range of 600–800 oC is controlled by the diffusion through the product layer with an apparent activation energy of 3.9 kJ/mol, and that it is controlled by the chemical reaction at the surface within the range of 900–1100 °C with an apparent activation energy of 54.3 kJ/mol. Besides, the Avrami diffusion controlled model with on apparent activation energy of 16.4 kJ/mol is most applicable for dealumination. Furthermore, 96.8% Ni and 95.6% Co could be extracted from the alkali-roasting residues in the subsequent pressure acid leaching process.

Key words: dechromization; dealumination; kinetics; Na₂CO₃-roasting pretreatment; laterite ore; nickel; cobalt