Evaluation of Sc Concentrations in Ni-Co Laterites Using Al as a Geochemical Proxy

Scandium (Sc) is used in several modern industrial applications. Recently, significant Sc concentrations (~100 ppm) were reported some nickel-cobalt lateritic ores, where may be valuably co-produced. However, typically not included routine analyses of Ni-Co ores. This contribution examines the relevance using routinely analysed elements as geochemical proxies for estimating concentration and distribution. Three deposits from New Caledonia investigated. In each deposit, well correlated with Al2O3. The slopes deposit-scale Sc-Al2O3 regression lines are remarkably controlled by composition enstatite parent peridotite. all deposits, maximum enrichment occurs yellow limonite, above highest Ni Co zones. Sc- Al-bearing crystalline goethite predominant oxide-rich zones, though shows a higher affinity amorphous iron oxides than Al. We propose that, already assayed distribution can estimated that Deposit-scale correlations determined after analysing limited number spatially chemically representative samples. Therefore, mining operators get first-order evaluation potential resource at low additional costs.