Altilium and NGM enter into nickel processing partnership

At its core, this partnership is about establishing a cutting-edge processing plant near Kalgoorlie, realising Altilium’s DNi Process^TM. This technology is meticulously designed for the sustainable extraction of nickel from laterite ore.

The planned processing plant, positioned as a key hub for nickel laterite ore, mirrors the success of Queensland Pacific Metals, leveraging the same innovative technology. With a target production of 16 000 tpy of nickel in the form of mixed hydroxide product (MHP), the core long-term goal is to produce nickel and cobalt to supply EV and battery markets, with an aim to be in production by 2030.

The parties’ commitment to produce a comprehensive preliminary feasibility study within the next 24 months is further testament to the strategic significance of this collaboration.

The agreement also grants NGM exclusive rights to using the Altilium technology within a 100km radius of Kalgoorlie, where the mining company has secured a 36 Mt nickel mineral resource, with ambitious plans for future expansion.

Altilium’s DNi Process is recognised for its pioneering zero-waste approach to mineral extraction. This environmentally conscious method eliminates the hazards tied to wet tailings, containment dams, and sea dumping.

“Worldwide demand for MHP, the key product produced by the DNi Process, is growing,” said Chris Gower, CEO of the Altilium Group.

“At the present time, however, almost all that material is sold to China, particularly by the Chinese-controlled HPAL plants in Indonesia. This project represents a unique opportunity for NGM to process Australian-sourced ore and help satisfy the demand for MHP. The Altilium team are very pleased to be working with NGM on this project,” he added.

“The driver underpinning nickel demand is climate change. More nickel projects are needed; in particular, projects which incorporate the ethical mining and ESG standards that end users require,” commented Arthur Darivas, CEO of New Generation Minerals.

“Western Australia has the joint largest nickel deposits in the world and high environmental standards; Altilium’s DNi Process has the capability to deliver a positive environmental legacy with its residue; and NGM has the ore to feed the plant. We have all the key ingredients to deliver a world-scale nickel project in the heart of WA’s nickel district and look forward to working with Altilium to demonstrate commercial viability,” he concluded.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/mining/30012024/altilium-and-ngm-enter-into-nickel-processing-partnership/