Korea is entirely dependent on nickel imports, necessitating technologies to utilize domestic nickel ore deposits. This study investigated the selective leaching characteristics of nickel from domestic serpentine-based low-grade nickel ore (Ni: 0.3 wt...
Korea is entirely dependent on nickel imports, necessitating technologies to utilize domestic nickel ore deposits. This study investigated the selective leaching characteristics of nickel from domestic serpentine-based low-grade nickel ore (Ni: 0.3 wt.%) using a sulfuric acid roasting-water leaching process. The H2SO4-to-solid mass ratio and roasting temperature were the main variables in roasting, whereas pulp density and leaching time were the main variables in water leaching. Analysis of metal leaching behavior revealed optimal conditions: an H2SO4-to-solid mass ratio of 2 g/g and a roasting temperature of 700°C, and a pulp density of 50 g/L with a leaching time of 30 minutes. The results confirmed that roasting temperature is the dominant variable for selective nickel leaching and that a sufficient supply of sulfuric acid, along with appropriate moisture conditions, is essential. These findings demonstrate the applicability of the sulfuric acid roasting-water leaching process to domestic serpentine-based low-grade nickel ore and provide fundamental data for utilizing domestic nickel resources.