Which minerals are important sources of nickel?

The most important sources of nickel are found in two primary types of ore deposits: sulfide ores and laterite ores.1

Sulfide Ores

Sulfide deposits are a major source of nickel and are typically mined using underground techniques. The most significant mineral found in these deposits is pentlandite, which is often associated with nickel-bearing pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite. During processing, these ores are crushed and ground to liberate the nickel minerals, which are then concentrated through selective flotation.123

Laterite Ores

Laterite deposits are oxide ores that are generally mined through open-pit, earth-moving operations. A key example of a laterite mineral is garnierite, which is a magnesium-nickel silicate of variable composition. Because laterites are not amenable to conventional concentration processes, they are typically smelted in large tonnages to produce crude ferronickel or a furnace matte.1425

Historically, other minerals such as niccolite (nickel arsenide) have also been identified as nickel-bearing ores.2