Abstract

RUIZ-QUINTANA, Juan et al. Geological and technological characterization of the lateritic resources of the Cajálbana deposit. Min. Geol. [online]. 2023, vol.39, n.3, pp. 147-160.  Epub Sep 30, 2023. ISSN 1993-8012.

Cajálbana constitutes the lateritic nickel and cobalt deposit of greatest significance and least degree of geological study in western Cuba. This research aims to reevaluate lateritic resources and clarify the paths of technological processing of minerals containing nickel, cobalt, and other metals of economic interest. Previous investigations of the Cajálbana deposit were systematized and integrated and different mineralogical wells were sampled; The research samples underwent granulometric classification, analytical determinations by X-ray spectrometry, differential thermal analysis, electron microscopy, and mass spectroscopy with plasma inductively coupled to the special mineralogical samples. The existence and distribution of rare earth elements was confirmed, with anomalous concentrations of scandium and samarium in the upper part of the lateritic profile. The Micromine computer program was used for the reevaluation of lateritic resources by technological types of ore and the technology to be used for comprehensive use was assessed. Lateritic nickel resources amounting to 51 million tons were reported in the inferred category. It is concluded that the lateritic resources of the Cajálbana deposit have geological and mineralogical characteristics conducive to being processed by hydrometallurgical means to obtain nickel, cobalt, and scandium products.

Keywords : Cajálbana deposit; lateritic resources; rare earth elements; scandium; samarium.

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