Lateritic nickel is a type of ore resulting from the intense chemical alteration of ultramafic rocks rich in magnesium and iron, under tropical and subtropical climates. It has a color that varies from reddish-brown to greenish and occurs mainly in surface deposits, formed by long weathering processes.

 

From an economic standpoint, lateritic ores represent the world's main source of nickel, being widely used in the production of:

• Stainless steel, which consumes more than 65% of the nickel produced globally, provides corrosion resistance and durability;

• Special metal alloys used in gas turbines, engines, and aerospace equipment;

• Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, used in electric vehicles and electronic devices;

• Catalysts and chemicals in the petrochemical and electrochemical industries.

 

Thanks to these applications, lateritic nickel is considered a strategic resource for the development of sustainable technologies, contributing directly to the global energy transition.