Skip Links

USGS - science for a changing world

Open-File Report 2011–1259

Ni-Co Laterite Deposits—A Deposit Model

By Erin E. Marsh and Eric D. Anderson

Thumbnail of and link to report PDF (858 kB)Abstract

Nickel-cobalt (Ni-Co) laterite deposits are an important source of nickel (Ni). Currently, there is a decline in magmatic Ni-bearing sulfide lode deposit resources. New efforts to develop an alternative source of Ni, particularly with improved metallurgy processes, make the Ni-Co laterites an important exploration target in anticipation of the future demand for Ni. This deposit model provides a general description of the geology and mineralogy of Ni-Co laterite deposits, and contains discussion of the influences of climate, geomorphology (relief), drainage, tectonism, structure, and protolith on the development of favorable weathering profiles. This model of Ni-Co laterite deposits represents part of the U.S. Geological Survey Mineral Resources Program’s effort to update the existing models to be used for an upcoming national mineral resource assessment.

First posted September 28, 2011

For additional information contact:
USGS Central Mineral and Environmental Resources Science Center
Box 25046, MS-973
Denver Federal Center
Denver, CO 80225

http://minerals.cr.usgs.gov/

Part or all of this report is presented in Portable Document Format (PDF); the latest version of Adobe Reader or similar software is required to view it. Download the latest version of Adobe Reader, free of charge.


Suggested citation:

Marsh, E.E. and Anderson, E.D., 2011, Ni-Co laterite deposits: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2011–1259, 9 p.



Contents

Introduction

History

Profile Formation and Mineralogy

Secular Variation

Exploration and Geophysics

Conclusions

References Cited


Accessibility FOIA Privacy Policies and Notices

Take Pride in America logo USA.gov logo U.S. Department of the Interior | U.S. Geological Survey
URL: http://pubsdata.usgs.gov/pubs/of/2011/1259/index.html
Page Contact Information: GS Pubs Web Contact
Page Last Modified: Wednesday, 07-Dec-2016 23:58:15 EST