Thermodynamic assessment of hydrometallurgical alternatives for nickel recovery in Colombia toward cleaner production
Introduction: This article is the result of the review and research entitled “Aqueous Extraction of Nickel from Low-Grade Laterites Using Alternative Leaching Agents”, conducted during 2025 at the Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia.
Problem: The increasing demand for nickel has intensified the exploitation of lateritic deposits, which constitute a significant proportion of global reserves. However, the low nickel grades and the presence of impurities such as Fe, Mg, and Si complicate the extraction and purification processes. In Colombia, nickel production still relies predominantly on energy-intensive pyrometallurgical routes, which involve considerable operational costs and environmental impacts, highlighting the need to explore alternative and more sustainable processing approaches.
Objective: To analyze the characteristics of laterite processing for nickel extraction and assess hydrometallurgical alternatives to the pyrometallurgical process currently used in Colombia.
Methodology: A literature review was conducted on laterite processing technologies, describing the current process applied in Colombia and comparing it with hydrometallurgical routes reported in the literature.
Results: The review indicates that hydrometallurgical processes can be viable alternatives for low-grade laterites, enabling significant nickel recovery with lower energy consumption, reduced reagent use, and fewer atmospheric emissions.
Conclusions: Hydrometallurgical routes represent a promising option to diversify laterite processing in Colombia, particularly for low-grade ores, due to their potential operational and environmental advantages over conventional pyrometallurgical methods.
Originality: This study integrates an analysis of the current nickel extraction process in Colombia and contrasts it with potential hydrometallurgical alternatives suitable for the national context.
Limitations: The analysis is based mainly on bibliographic information and a preliminary assessment; therefore, further experimental and technical studies are required to confirm the feasibility of the proposed alternatives.
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