Process Flowsheet

TECH Project Process

The TECH Project process includes numerous unit operations. The critical unit operations use patented technologies from well recognised technology vendors including Kellog Brown & Root GmbH, EKATO Ruehr-und Mischtechnik GmbH, Hatch Technologies Ltd, ANDRITZ Separation GmbH, JordProxa Pty Ltd and SENET Pty Ltd.

High-grade nickel laterite ore is imported from New Caledonia for treatment in the TECH Project. The process begins with drying of this ore to 1-2 % moisture and the milling of any oversize material. This is then fed into the Extraction Plant.

The Extraction Plant leaches the treated ore in nitric acid at >90% concentration resulting in high metal recoveries. The leached ore then undergoes iron and aluminium hydrolysis to precipitate iron as high-grade hematite. This is then filtered, agglomerated and pelletized for sale to steel manufacturers. The process includes unit operations for strong and weak regeneration, hydroxide precipitation, barren evaporation, thermal decomposition and sulfate refinement to produce battery-grade nickel and cobalt sulfate.

The sulfate refinery comprises sulfuric acid releach, aluminium removal, impurity solvent extraction, cobalt and nickel solvent extraction and crystallisation and ammonium sulfate crystallisation.