Microwave reduction of a nickeliferous laterite ore

► Microwave reduction of a hematitic nickeliferous laterite ore. ► Measurement of real and imaginary permittivity (ε′, ε″) of laterite-lignite mixture. ► laterite-lignite mixture is an excellent microwave absorber heated to 900 °C. ► A 70% carbothermic reduction of laterite can be achieved.