Blackstone Minerals has validated its process for the company’s proposed Ta Khoa nickel refinery project in Vietnam after its metallurgical test work program was successful in producing battery-grade nickel and cobalt sulphates in addition to processing third-party cobalt supply. The findings come from batch test work and commissioning of piloting equipment completed in August as part of a definitive feasibility study into the company’s Ta Khoa nickel project and its namesake refinery.
Together its nickel project and the proposed refinery form Blackstone’s flagship vision of building an integrated upstream and downstream battery metals processing business in Vietnam to produce precursor products for Asia’s fast-growing lithium-ion battery industry.
Blackstone’s test work achieved continuous operation of the pressure oxidation process using nickel from both the company’s Ta Khoa project and third-party sources. Over 7200kg of feed was processed over a piloting run time of 730 hours.
In addition, the company successfully produced battery-grade nickel and cobalt sulphates that were deemed suitable for battery precursor cathode active material by distinguished laboratory services provider ASX-listed ALS. The sulphates were created using the company’s mixed hydroxide precipitate re-leach process and third-party material. Samples of Blackstone’s sulphates are now in the hands of potential partners for test work surrounding their further processing into precursor cathode active material.
In addition, the company successfully processed over 70kg of third-party cobalt hydroxides within its feed blend demonstrating the suitability and ability of its system to use low-emission and low-cost cobalt sources.
Blackstone anticipates its pilot program including further test work involving process variability to be completed by the end of the year.
Blackstone Minerals Managing Director, Scott Williamson said: “The latest achievements with the pilot program validate the Ta Khoa Refinery Project process for production of battery precursor material. Blackstone Minerals is excited to be sharing samples with our technology and strategic partners. The completion of the piloting program by end of 2022 is an important milestone as we strive to be a world leader in Green Nickel™ production.”
Interestingly, according to the Nickel Institute more than two-thirds of global nickel production is currently used to make stainless steel. However, Research by the International Energy Agency has forecast that by 2040, electric vehicles and battery storage will take the top spot when it comes to nickel consumption. The agency’s sentiment is reflected in a new report from Belgium’s KU Leuven University that suggests achieving the European Union’s 2050 climate-neutrality goal is going to require 168 per cent more nickel will by 2050.
Yesterday on the London Metal Exchange, 3-month nickel futures were trading above the US$27,000 per tonne mark, up from just US$21,710 at the end of October. The last time nickel’s price was in similar territory was in mid-June as the metal’s price was on a decline from spectacular highs of above US$100,000 reached amid an unprecedented short squeeze in March.
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By Matt Birney
