Reactive Transport Modeling Applied to Ni Laterite Ore Deposits in New Caledonia: Role of Hydrodynamic Factors and Geological Structures in Ni Mineralization

This study is devoted to understanding the impact of topography and hydrodynamics on the formation of high‐grade supergene nickel deposits. The investigation proposes a new conceptual mineralization model that describes the formation of various exceptionally Ni‐enriched hot spots observed in lateritic profiles. Numerical analysis of the effects of local hydrodynamics on deposits formation is performed by means of PHREEQC geochemical simulator and COMSOL Multiphysics software. These are coupled through an iCP Java interface that allows to code their level of interaction and facilitates the exchange of parameters. The model developed extends the currently existing geochemical formulation of nickeliferous laterite formation from peridotite carried out in 1‐D and is additionally capable of simulating mass solute transport and geochemical processes within complex fractured‐porous systems. The simulations improve our understanding of metal enrichment in saprolite and bedrock zones. It was shown that, although the initial development of nickel lateritic ores takes a few million years, they are prone to relatively quick leaching and subsequent redistribution of Ni when the topography changes in response to tectonic processes. The latter leads to the formation of rich nickel deposits at the bottom of the slope, mostly due to leaching of the saprolite material. In addition to the role of changes in topography, the critical impact of fractures and fracture networks on metal mobility and distribution was identified. The model developed provides significant insight into the distribution of mineral resources, in particular Ni deposits, and can be of great help for future mineral prospecting in industry. Key Points New conceptual model of Ni mineralization is proposed Two‐dimensional coupled hydro‐geochemical model for Ni laterite deposits is developed Relationship of nickel distribution to fractures and topography is demonstrated