Ni-Co laterite deposits
Open-File Report
2011-1259
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Abstract
Nickel-cobalt (Ni-Co) laterite deposits are an important source of nickel (Ni). Currently, there is a decline in magmatic Ni-bearing sulfide lode deposit resources. New efforts to develop an alternative source of Ni, particularly with improved metallurgy processes, make the Ni-Co laterites an important exploration target in anticipation of the future demand for Ni. This deposit model provides a general description of the geology and mineralogy of Ni-Co laterite deposits, and contains discussion of the influences of climate, geomorphology (relief), drainage, tectonism, structure, and protolith on the development of favorable weathering profiles. This model of Ni-Co laterite deposits represents part of the U.S. Geological Survey Mineral Resources Program's effort to update the existing models to be used for an upcoming national mineral resource assessment.
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | Ni-Co laterite deposits |
| Series title | Open-File Report |
| Series number | 2011-1259 |
| DOI | 10.3133/ofr20111259 |
| Year Published | 2011 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Publisher location | Reston, VA |
| Contributing office(s) | Central Mineral and Environmental Resources Science Center |
| Description | iii, 9 p. |
| Online Only (Y/N) | Y |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |