3379
Awaruite Recovery by Magnetic Separation and Flotation:
Nickel Concentrate with Outstanding Characteristics
Santiago Seiler
Universidad de la República, Uruguay
University of British Columbia
Gustavo Sánchez
Universidad de la República, Uruguay
Peter Bradshaw
FPX Nickel Corp., Canada
Bern Klein
University of British Columbia
ABSTRACT: waruite is a native nickel-iron alloy, found in serpentinized ultramafic rocks, which has gained
interest as a possible economic source of nickel. This work summarizes and expands upon 5 years of research on
recovering nickel from awaruite, a unique mineral found in the Decar Nickel District, Canada. This research
aimed to unlock the economic potential of the District by developing optimal flotation conditions for selective
awaruite separation, leading to more efficient and cost-effective nickel extraction, by exploring innovative
pH regimes, novel flotation reagent schemes, and optimized grinding parameters. The findings include the
development of the fundamentals of the flotation mechanism of awaruite with the xanthate collector and a
novel reagent scheme to float awaruite in neutral conditions. These findings pave the way for more sustainable
and responsible nickel production, which is a strategic metal vital for battery manufacturing. In this work,
experimental results are discussed focusing on the recovery of awaruite by applying magnetic separation followed
by flotation. The importance of magnetic separation as a preconcentration stage is also discussed with the aim
of presenting potential metallurgical routes to produce a nickel concentrate with outstanding characteristics,
including a nickel grade of 60% and a very low content of penalty elements.
INTRODUCTION
The demand for nickel and nickel-containing materials has
significantly increased in the past two decades, driven by
its versatility and unique properties. From its role in corro-
sion-resistant stainless steel used in medical equipment and
construction, to its conductivity enabling efficient energy
transmission in power stations and electric vehicle batter-
ies, nickel plays a crucial role in modern infrastructure and
technology.
Furthermore, the electric vehicle revolution is poised
to significantly escalate nickel demand due to the need for
high-performance batteries. New generation NMC 811
batteries, for instance, can contain up to 50% nickel by
mass, significantly exceeding the first generation. This, cou-
pled with the projected increase in electric vehicle demand
by 2040, translates to a staggering rise in nickel consump-
tion. While this presents exciting opportunities, responsi-
ble sourcing and ensuring a sustainable supply chain will be
crucial to address the challenges associated with this rapid
growth. Nevertheless, the shift towards electric vehicles
powered by efficient nickel-based batteries signifies a posi-
tive step towards a more sustainable future (Campagnol, et
al. 2017, Nakajima, et al. 2017, IEA 2021).
Awaruite Recovery by Magnetic Separation and Flotation:
Nickel Concentrate with Outstanding Characteristics
Santiago Seiler
Universidad de la República, Uruguay
University of British Columbia
Gustavo Sánchez
Universidad de la República, Uruguay
Peter Bradshaw
FPX Nickel Corp., Canada
Bern Klein
University of British Columbia
ABSTRACT: waruite is a native nickel-iron alloy, found in serpentinized ultramafic rocks, which has gained
interest as a possible economic source of nickel. This work summarizes and expands upon 5 years of research on
recovering nickel from awaruite, a unique mineral found in the Decar Nickel District, Canada. This research
aimed to unlock the economic potential of the District by developing optimal flotation conditions for selective
awaruite separation, leading to more efficient and cost-effective nickel extraction, by exploring innovative
pH regimes, novel flotation reagent schemes, and optimized grinding parameters. The findings include the
development of the fundamentals of the flotation mechanism of awaruite with the xanthate collector and a
novel reagent scheme to float awaruite in neutral conditions. These findings pave the way for more sustainable
and responsible nickel production, which is a strategic metal vital for battery manufacturing. In this work,
experimental results are discussed focusing on the recovery of awaruite by applying magnetic separation followed
by flotation. The importance of magnetic separation as a preconcentration stage is also discussed with the aim
of presenting potential metallurgical routes to produce a nickel concentrate with outstanding characteristics,
including a nickel grade of 60% and a very low content of penalty elements.
INTRODUCTION
The demand for nickel and nickel-containing materials has
significantly increased in the past two decades, driven by
its versatility and unique properties. From its role in corro-
sion-resistant stainless steel used in medical equipment and
construction, to its conductivity enabling efficient energy
transmission in power stations and electric vehicle batter-
ies, nickel plays a crucial role in modern infrastructure and
technology.
Furthermore, the electric vehicle revolution is poised
to significantly escalate nickel demand due to the need for
high-performance batteries. New generation NMC 811
batteries, for instance, can contain up to 50% nickel by
mass, significantly exceeding the first generation. This, cou-
pled with the projected increase in electric vehicle demand
by 2040, translates to a staggering rise in nickel consump-
tion. While this presents exciting opportunities, responsi-
ble sourcing and ensuring a sustainable supply chain will be
crucial to address the challenges associated with this rapid
growth. Nevertheless, the shift towards electric vehicles
powered by efficient nickel-based batteries signifies a posi-
tive step towards a more sustainable future (Campagnol, et
al. 2017, Nakajima, et al. 2017, IEA 2021).