Sulfide deposits offer easier extraction while laterite deposits require more energy and chemicals. Because of a lack of exploration in recent years, high-grade sulfide deposits are becoming depleted.

Cobalt-nickel-scandium laterite profile at Karaçam, Turkey. aprolite and oxide zones (Lim = goethite; Hem = hematite) overlain by a friable silica ‘cap'. Scandium is concentrated in discrete green ...