Trace element analysis of leach residue from the Kwinana nickel refinery

Analytical Aims: To determine the trace element concentrations in a range of minerals from a leach residue sample, with emphasis on the deportment of Ni, Co, Cu, Au, Ag, Pt and Pd.

Summary: The leach residue consists of a range of Fe‐oxide and Fe‐hydroxide phases (total 99 wt%) which are the main source of Ni and Co. Minor covellite (0.2 wt%) is the main host for Au and Ag (average concentrations 28 and 6,300 ppm respectively). A range of NiFeCu‐sulphides are present (total 0.06 wt%) and are the major source of Pt and Pd (average of all sulphides 8.7 and 163 ppm respectively).