Analysis of Laterite Nickel Ore Quality Control Using X-Ray Fluorescence Method

Abstract

Nickel laterite is a material that comes from regolith (a layer that is the result of rock weathering that covers a base rock) which comes from ultrabasic rocks that contain the elements Ni, Mg, Fe and Co. Approximately 72% of world nickel reserves are laterite nickel and only 42% of these reserves have been produced. From this data, one of the largest nickel laterite suppliers is Indonesia. Laterite nickel ore mining has been widely operated in the Sulawesi area, especially at PT Tonia Mitra Sejahtera, Bombana Regency, Southeast Sulawesi Province. One of the problems experienced in the laterite nickel ore mining process at PT Tonia Mitra Sejahtera is that the ore content in the laterite nickel deposits varies which will greatly affect the quality of the ore produced. This practical work aims to determine activities in controlling the quality of laterite nickel ore in the mining process of PT Tonia Mitra Sejahtera, especially in the Daniati Pit (saprolite zone) so that the quality and grade of the ore produced will continue to be maintained. The data collection methods used for research on this practical work consist of three types, namely observation activities, interview activities and data collection from company documents, in the form of ore grade analysis results. Based on the results of analysis of mining samples and production samples, it shows that the average levels of Ni, Fe, Co, MgO, and SiO2 mining samples in the Daniati Pit (saprolite zone) are respectively 1.95%, 14.81%, 0, 04%, 18.03%, 35.12% and for production samples in the Daniati Pit (saprolite zone) respectively 1.91%, 14.98%, 0.04%, 17.66%, 34.47% . The changes in levels that occurred were 2.15%, 1.15%, 5.867%, 2.04%, 1.85%, respectively. Factors that influence changes in laterite nickel ore content include mining operations, the sampling process, ore treatment in the stockpile, and the sample preparation process.