Blackstone Minerals Ltd (ASX:BSX, OTCQX:BLSTF) has appointed Tier 1 process engineering, design and construction company GR Engineering Services Ltd (ASX:GNG) (GRES) as primary consultant in the delivery of an upstream definitive feasibility study (DFS) for its Ta Khoa Nickel Project (TKNP) in Vietnam.
As primary consultant, GRES will focus on the delivery of major workstreams including process infrastructure, metallurgical test-work and co-disposal tailings storage.
In addition, GRES will provide full life-cycle engineering services from feasibility studies through to delivery of projects under both EPC and EPCM models.
Furthermore, GRES will coordinate, collaborate with and collate information from other key workstreams including mining studies of the project.
“De-risk development strategy”
Blackstone managing director Scott Williamson said: “We are delighted to appoint GRES to drive the delivery of the Ta Khoa Nickel Project Upstream Definitive Feasibility Study and consider their engagement to be an endorsement of Blackstone’s strategy.
“GRES adds to an already impressive team of engineers that are contributing to the design and development of the Ta Khoa Project.
“Blackstone continues to de-risk its development strategy both from a technical and funding perspective and looks forward to updating the market as we take key steps towards a final investment decision.”
About Blackstone
Blackstone is focused on building an integrated upstream and downstream battery metals processing business in Vietnam that produces NCM Precursor products for Asia’s growing lithium-ion battery industry.
The company owns a 90% interest in the TKNP, 160 kilometres west of Hanoi in the Son La Province of Vietnam, that includes an existing modern nickel mine built to Australian standards, which is being used to process nickel ore delivered by the underground bulk sample program.
Blackstone’s TKNP and Ta Khoa Refinery are the two major cogs in Blackstone’s vertically integrated development strategy together called the Ta Khoa Project
The company’s development strategy is underpinned by Blackstone’s ability to secure nickel concentrate and Ta Khoa is emerging as a nickel sulphide district of enviable scale with several exploration targets yet to be tested.