Ep 122: Mining the Margins - What makes nickel laterites so complex

In this episode, Julian Aldridge (Managing Consultant, EMEAA) joins Laurie Hassell (Senior Consultant, UK) to discuss the complexities of nickel laterite deposits - from geology to geometallurgy and the processing challenges posed by magnesium and free silica.

With more than 20 years' experience in resource geology, Julian brings practical insight into how geological variability affects processing decisions, cost, and mine planning.

Key Points & Timestamps:
00:34 – What is a nickel laterite deposit?
01:03 – The role of mafic and ultramafic rocks
01:30 – Laterite vs saprolite horizons
02:10 – Why geometallurgy is critical for processing
03:07 – The impact of magnesium and free silica
04:38 – HPAL vs pyrometallurgical processing routes
05:35 – How free silica dilutes grade and increases OPEX
06:30 – The importance of early-stage planning and blending

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