| (19) |
 |
|
(11) |
EP 0 643 147 A3 |
| (12) |
EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
| (88) |
Date of publication A3: |
|
03.05.1995 Bulletin 1995/18 |
| (43) |
Date of publication A2: |
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15.03.1995 Bulletin 1995/11 |
| (22) |
Date of filing: 24.08.1994 |
|
| (51) |
International Patent Classification (IPC)6: C22C 33/04 |
|
| (84) |
Designated Contracting States: |
|
FR GB GR |
| (30) |
Priority: |
30.08.1993 ZA 933055
|
| (71) |
Applicant: MINTEK |
|
Randburg,
Transvaal Province (ZA) |
|
| (72) |
Inventors: |
|
- Lagendijk, Herman
Johannesburg,
Transvaal (ZA)
- Smith, Peter
Jardim Paulistano,
Sao Paulo (BR)
- Schoukens, Albert Francois Simon
Weltevreden Park,
Transvaal (ZA)
- Blom, Peter William Ennis
Noordkruin,
1739 Krugersdorp (ZA)
|
| (74) |
Representative: Thomas, Roger Tamlyn et al |
|
D. Young & Co.
21 New Fetter Lane
London EC4A 1DA
London EC4A 1DA (GB) |
|
| |
|
| (54) |
The production of ferronickel from nickel containing laterite |
(57) A process for the production of ferronickel from nickel containing laterite is provided
wherein the laterite includes at least a proportion of relatively fine material of
size less than 10mm. The feed material may also be composed substantially or entirely
of laterite fines or dust and also partially treated dust arising from conventional
treatment routes, and may be pre-reduced, optionally after drying. The laterite is
fed to the central region of the molten bath of a circular furnace in which at least
one electrode in the roof acts as cathode, and the molten bath itself acts as anode.
The process can be used to economically treat fine laterite ore previously discarded
and stockpiled and even formerly non-viable deposits of laterite, and fines or dust
arising from conventional treatment plants.