Selective reduction for nickel laterite using sodium sulfate and palm kernel shell charcoal followed by magnetic separation

The selective reduction process of laterite nickel ore using sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) and palm shell charcoal has been studied to enhance the separation of nickel from impurities at high temperatures. This study aims to optimize the reduction process of laterite nickel by utilizing sodium sulfate (10% by weight) as fluxing agent and palm shell charcoal (5% by weight) as an environmentally friendly carbon source to achieve efficient reduction. The study used variables such as particle size fraction (-60# (mesh) +80# (mesh), -80 (mesh) #+100# (mesh), and -100# (mesh)). Each particle size fraction was then formed into pellets and reduced at temperature of 950 °C, 1050 °C, and 1150 °C for 60 minutes by using a muffle furnace. Magnetic separation was subsequently performed using varying magnetic field strengths of 500 G, 1000 G, and 1500 G. the results yielded ferronickel concentrate (magnetic) and tailing (non-magnetic). The optimal result with the highest nickel concentrate (5,332%) was obtained under high temperature condition (1150 °C), particle size fraction of -80# (mesh) +100# (mesh), and a magnetic field strength of 1000 G.