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Nickel is used in production of non-corroding and other alloyed steels (about 70% of consumption), alloys (14%), accumulators, in chemical industry and powder metallurgy, also as an anti-corrosion coating (nickeling) and a catalyst for many chemical processes.
About 64% of all world-produced nickel is used to achieve nickel steel. In its turn, it is used to build up tools, machines, armour-plates, stainless steel kitchen utensils and other items. 16% of nickel is incorporated into plated coatings (nickeling) of steel, brass, copper and zinc; 9% – into super alloy turbines, aircraft fittings and bolting, turbo compressors, etc. Nickel is also used in monetization (5-cent coin in the USA, for example, contains 25% of nickel and 75% of copper).
Nickel in primary ores is present in compounds with sulphur und arsenic, and in the secondary deposits (crusts of weathering, laterites) makes scattered shots hydrous nickel silicates. Half of the world nickel production falls onto Russia and Canada, large-scale production is conducted in Australia, Indonesia, New Caledonia, South Africa, Cuba, China, Dominican Republic and Columbia. In Russia, which occupies the first place in the nickel ore production (22% of the world output), main ores are extracted in copper-nickel sulphide deposits in the Norilsk area (Taymyr) and partially the area of Pechenga (Colsky Peninsula); another silica-nickel deposit is developed in the Urals. Canada, which produced 80% nickel in the world in the past thanks to an only biggest copper-nickel deposit Cadbury (Ontario province), now gives way to Russia in output volumes. Nickel deposits in Manitoba, British Columbia and other Canadian areas are being developed now.
The USA do not have any nickel ore deposits, and nickel is extracted as a by-product at the only copper refinery, or out of scrap (waste metal). back |
