{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Ep 122: Mining the Margins - What makes nickel laterites so complex","description":"In this episode, Julian Aldridge (Managing Consultant, EMEAA) joins Laurie Hassell (Senior Consultant, UK) to discuss the complexities of nickel laterite deposits - from geology to geometallurgy and the processing challenges posed by magnesium and free silica. With more than 20 years\u2019 experience in resource geology, Julian brings practical insight into how geological variability affects processing decisions, cost, and mine planning. Key Points &amp;amp; Timestamps: 00:34 \u2013 What is a nickel laterite deposit? 01:03 \u2013 The role of mafic and ultramafic rocks 01:30 \u2013 Laterite vs saprolite horizons 02:10 \u2013 Why geometallurgy is critical for processing 03:07 \u2013 The impact of magnesium and free silica 04:38 \u2013 HPAL vs pyrometallurgical processing routes 05:35 \u2013 How free silica dilutes grade and increases OPEX 06:30 \u2013 The importance of early-stage planning and blending Have a question or want to get in touch? Contact us: contact@snowdenoptiro.com Explore more: https:\/\/snowdenoptiro.com\/ \ud83d\udc4d Like, comment, and subscribe for more technical mining insights from our global consulting team. You can find our Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro podcasts on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and most other podcast platforms. Who we are: Snowden Optiro is a resources consulting and advisory group that provides independent advice, consulting and training to mining and exploration companies, their advisors and investors. We help mine developers to advance their projects, mining companies to improve their operations and their professionals, and investors to de-risk their investments by the provision of quality advice, training and software in the field of Mineral Resources and Mineral\/Ore Reserves. For training or consulting enquiries: training(at)snowdenoptiro.com&amp;nbsp; contact(at)snowdenoptiro.com &amp;nbsp;#NickelLaterite #Geometallurgy #MiningPodcast #SnowdenOptiro #FreshThinking ","author_name":"Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro","author_url":"https:\/\/snowdenoptiro.com\/","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/37631570\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/88AA3C\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/item\/37631570"}