Effect of Sodium Sulfate Addition on the Production of Ferronickel from Lateritic Ore

Lateritic nickel ore from Manisa - Çaldağ region was roasted to form ferronickel at 1200°C for 1 h with additions of metallurgical coke and sodium sulfate varying by weight 5-15% and 0-20%, respectively. Formed metallic part of roasted sample was separated from non-metallic part by magnet and examined by means of X-ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscopy. In spite of kamacite α -(Fe,Ni) formation, iron-rich silicate structure that causes iron losses was observed for samples roasted with only coke. Kamacite formation increased with increment of the coke percentage but iron-rich silicate structure remained almost same. With addition of sodium sulfate, elimination of iron-rich silicate phase was achieved and easily magnetizable metallic particles were obtained.