Blackstone Minerals Ltd (ASX:BSX, OTCQX:BLSTF)'s metallurgical test-work program has validated the process for the Ta Khoa Refinery Project (TKR) in Vietnam through production of battery-grade nickel and cobalt sulphates, and successful processing of third-party cobalt supply.
Test work at Ta Khoa
In August 2022, Blackstone announced the completion of batch test-work and commissioning of piloting equipment as part of a definitive feasibility study test-work program being conducted by ALS metallurgical laboratories.
Since this announcement, there has been a flurry of activity at the project.
Blackstone has continued to validate the TKR process, with continuous operation of the pressure oxidation process involving the Ban Phuc Nickel Mine and third-party concentrate, or TKR feed blend.
More than 7,200 kilograms of feed have been processed over a piloting run time of 730 hours during the campaign.
The company has also piloted the mixed hydroxide precipitate (MHP) re-leach process with third-party MHP – with a piloting run time of 635 hours – to produce battery-grade nickel and cobalt sulphates suitable for battery precursor cathode active material (pCAM) as verified by ALS.
Production of MHP has wrapped up using the TKR feed blend, resulting in more than 2,200 kilograms.
Production has met specifications required to achieve battery-grade nickel and cobalt sulphates. In the coming month, the MHP produced from the TKR feed blend will be processed to complete the pilot campaign.
Distribution of battery-grade sulphates
Battery-grade nickel and cobalt sulphates have been committed to potential partners for pCAM processing and performance testing. This marks an important partnership development milestone.
The company has successfully processed more than 70 kilograms of third-party hydroxides within feed blend demonstrating suitability of low-emission and low-cost cobalt sources to the TKR process.
The TKR pilot program, inclusive of process variability test-work, is due to be completed by the end of 2022.
Green nickel
Blackstone 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.”