Nikkelimalmi

Nikkelimalmi refers to naturally occurring rocks or mineral deposits from which nickel can be economically extracted. Nickel is a lustrous, silvery-white metal known for its resistance to corrosion and its ability to form alloys with other metals, such as iron and chromium. These properties make it highly valuable in various industrial applications.

There are two main types of nickel deposits: magmatic sulfide deposits and laterite deposits. Magmatic sulfide deposits, often found in Precambrian shields, are formed from the cooling of magmatic intrusions. These deposits typically contain nickel in sulfide minerals like pentlandite, which is often found alongside pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite. Laterite deposits, on the other hand, are formed by the long-term weathering of ultramafic rocks in tropical or subtropical climates. In these deposits, nickel is found in oxide and hydroxide minerals, such as garnierite.

The extraction and processing of nikkelimalmi involve several stages. Initial mining operations extract the ore from the ground. This is followed by concentration processes, such as flotation or magnetic separation, to increase the nickel content and remove waste rock. Subsequently, smelting or hydrometallurgical techniques are employed to further refine the concentrated ore into a usable form, often nickel matte or pure nickel. The global distribution of nickel ore is concentrated in countries like Indonesia, the Philippines, Russia, Australia, and Canada, among others. Nickel's uses are widespread, including stainless steel production, battery manufacturing, coinage, and electroplating.