Altilium and NGM to launch nickel processing technology in Western Australia

The race to switch to electric vehicles (EVs) and an underinvestment in ore processing plants have led to a diminishing supply of critical battery metals. Significant action is urgently required to develop more processing facilities, which are powered by clean technologies.

There is an opportunity to increase production of sustainably produced nickel and cobalt and unlock currently stranded laterite ore bodies. Such additional capacity would be highly complementary to existing and planned production, such as from NGM’s nickel-cobalt deposit near Kalgoorlie, as global supply gaps are forecast over the coming decade. Western Australia is one of a few premium mining locations where global battery users want to stamp their mark for sustainable sourcing. According to the well-regarded investment benchmark assessed by the Fraser Institute Annual Survey of Mining Companies 2021, Western Australia is the no.1 ranked jurisdiction for their Investment Attractiveness Index.

As a first step, the partnership will collaborate to commence scoping study economics to build the first DNi Process plant in Western Australia. This plant will be designed to produce not less than 16 000 tpy of nickel and cobalt in the form of mixed hydroxide product (MHP), although the plant may be designed to deliver nickel and cobalt sulfates.

Chris Gower, CEO of Altilium, comments:

“We are very pleased to partner with NGM in Western Australia as we see our DNi Process as being able to unlock nickel and cobalt deposits, such as NGM’s in one of the most sustainable mining districts in the world. We see huge value in being able to provide the EV industry with a clean, sustainable supply of nickel and cobalt, and help Australia increase its role as a top player in the worldwide transition to EVs.”

Arthur Darivas, CEO of NGM, comments:

“We see Altilium’s DNi Process as the key enabler to unlock laterite ore extraction close to infrastructure for us, with our Lake Yindarlgooda deposit near Kalgoorlie, and partners with similar deposits. The technology offers the prospect of more sustainable production of battery metals, and we believe this will be very attractive to down-stream buyers, the Australian Government, and other companies we may partner with holding laterite ores.”

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/handling-processing/29112022/altilium-and-ngm-to-launch-nickel-processing-technology-in-western-australia/