The production of ferronickel from nickel containing laterite

A process for the production of ferronickel from nickel containing laterite is provided wherein the laterite includes at least a proportion of relatively fine material of size less than 10mm. The feed material may also be composed substantially or entirely of laterite fines or dust and also partially treated dust arising from conventional treatment routes, and may be pre-reduced, optionally after drying. The laterite is fed to the central region of the molten bath of a circular furnace in which at least one electrode in the roof acts as cathode, and the molten bath itself acts as anode. The process can be used to economically treat fine laterite ore previously discarded and stockpiled and even formerly non-viable deposits of laterite, and fines or dust arising from conventional treatment plants.