Nickel Lateritic Ore Processing

in Indonesia

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Bambang Suharno

Metallurgy and Materials Engineering Universitas Indonesia

January 20, 2022

World Nickel Mine Production and
Reserves (Indonesia No.1)
Nickel Lateritic Ore Profile and
Processing
Hydrometallurgy and Pyrometallurgy
Processing of Nickel Ore
Pyrometallurgy Nickel Processing
 Rotary Kiln – Electric Furnace Route To
Produce Ferro Nickel (Stainless Steel)
 The RKEF energy intensive for
producing ferronickel from
laterite ores as it involves
several high temperature steps,
 such as calcination and pre-
reduction at 850–1000 C in
a rotary kiln
 followed by smelting at
1500–1600 C in an electric
furnace for separating
ferronickel from the silica-
magnesia slag
World Stainless Steel Production
(2005 – 2019)
World Stainless Steel Production
Indonesia Stainless Steel Production
(No. 2 in the World)

Ore Consumption/ Year

• IMIP 30 Million Ton
• IWIP 30 Million Ton
• Virtue D 20 Million Ton
Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park
(IMIP)
 Integrated Stainless Steel Plant
(and HPAL = Hydrometallurgy Process)
IWIP (New Industrial Park in Halmahera)
IWIP (New Industrial Park in Halmahera)
IWIP (New Industrial Park in Halmahera)
Virtue Dragon Industrial Park
Nickel Demand for Stainless Steel and
Battery Sectors
Nickel Supply Forecast
Indonesia Nickel Ore Reserves
HPAL (High Pressure Acid Leaching)
Proven Technology for MHP Production
Thank You