Ni-Co Enrichment of Oxide Type Laterite Deposits in Koninis Area, Banggai Regency, Central Sulawesi Province

Abstract:

This study investigates the enrichment of nickel (Ni) and cobalt (Co) in oxide-type deposits in the Koninis Area, Simpang Raya District, Banggai Regency, Central Sulawesi Province. Data were collected through drilling with a 50-meter spacing; then two representative drill holes were selected to conduct mineralogical and geochemical analysis on the laterite zone and parent rock. In tropical environments with low relief and high rainfall, progressive weathering of pyroxene and orthopyroxene in partially serpentinized ultramafic rocks results in gradual leaching of soluble elements such as Fe, Ni, Co, Al, and Cr. When these minerals dissolve during the laterization process, Ni and Co are released and remain in the profile within the Fe-hydroxide (goethite), where Ni and Co are potentially adsorbed or incorporated into the goethite structure with the replacement of Fe, Al, Cr, and Ti. Mineralogical analysis of the laterite deposit zone, consisting of limonite, saprolite, and parent rock zones, was done using petrographic and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis methods. In contrast, geochemical analysis used the energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) method. The geochemical data obtained from drill core samples were further analyzed statistically to assess elemental distributions and interrelationships within both the limonite and saprolite zones. By knowing the enrichment of Ni-Co oxide type in this type of laterite deposit, there is a vast opportunity for exploration, considering that Indonesia has a wide distribution of ultramafic rocks, especially on the islands of Sulawesi and Halmahera.

• Periodical: Engineering Headway (Volume 39)
• Pages: 109-120
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-5nuiWW
• Online since: July 2026
• Authors: Safah Safah, Adi Tonggiroh*, Ulva Ria Irfan
• Keywords: Laterite Deposits, Ni-Co Enrichment, Oxide Type, Ultramafic Rock, Weathering

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