KARAKTERISTIK GEOKIMIA ENDAPAN NIKEL LATERIT PADA BLOK X DI KABUPATEN MOROWALI UTARA PROVINSI SULAWESI TENGAH

Abstract

 The research area is in block X PT. Paku Bumi Inti Mineral, North Morowali Regency, Central Sulawesi Province which is part of the Sulawesi ophiolite route with complex geological conditions and still active tectonics. The research location is in the East Arm of Sulawesi which has quite large potential for laterite nickel deposits. The abundance of nickel laterite potential is certainly important enough to be balanced with systematic exploration activities. The aim of this research is to determine the geological conditions and also the geochemical characteristics of laterite nickel deposits in the research area, so that we can find out the Ni content from each drill point and then what controlling factors are the causes of high and low Ni levels from each drill point in the research area. The characteristics of the top soil are brownish red, contain lots of plant roots, and have a Ni content of 0.76-0.87%. The Limonite zone is reddish brown and has a Ni content of 0.75-1.62%. The Saprolite zone is yellowish brown and has a Ni value of 0.47-2.13%. The brownish black Bedrock zone has a Ni content of 0.25-0.80%. The dominant controlling factors in the research area are topography and ruggedness.

Keywords: Laterite, characteristics, controlling factors.