Blackstone Minerals (ASX:BSX) progresses pilot work at Ta Khoa projects, Vietnam

• Blackstone Minerals (BSX) is set to take the next steps forward at its Ta Khoa projects in Vietnam following the progression of pilot metallurgical work in the area
• The company says it has completed key elements of pilot programs at its Ta Khoa nickel (TKN) and Ta Khoa Refinery (TKR) projects during their definitive feasibility study phases
• These include a bench test work program to confirm the improved DFS process flowsheet at the Ta Khoa Refinery, which will be used to update the TKR plant design criteria
• Meanwhile, at the Ta Khoa nickel project, the company has completed the construction of a pilot plant at the mine
• Blackstone Minerals shares are up 2.33 per cent and trading at 22 cents at 1:09 pm AEST

Blackstone Minerals (BSX) is set to take the next steps forward at its Ta Khoa projects in Vietnam following the progression of pilot metallurgical work in the area

The company today said it had completed key elements of pilot programs at its Ta Khoa Nickel (TKN) and Ta Khoa Refinery (TKR) projects during their respective definitive feasibility study (DFS) phases.

These include a bench test work program to confirm the improved DFS process flowsheet at the Ta Khoa Refinery. The data has been used to update the TKR plant design criteria.

Additionally, the company has completed the design, procurement and assembly of refinery piloting equipment, which has been commissioned.

The company said the next steps for the TKR program would be to pilot nickel concentrate feed, sourced from the mine site and third-party nickel sources, to produce mixed hydroxide precipitate (MHP), then convert the MHP to battery-grade metal sulphate, ahead of precursor cathode active material processing.

Meanwhile, at the Ta Khoa nickel project, the company has completed the construction of a pilot plant at the mine.

Piloting is underway and will continue through the second half of 2022.  

“It is very exciting to see the hard work from our Blackstone team and metallurgical partners to successfully design and pilot the respective upstream and downstream DFS flowsheets,” Blackstone Managing Director Scott Williamson said.

“The success of these respective pilot programs demonstrates our commitment to develop competitive and flexible flowsheets to service the future needs of the battery market.

“We will continue to work with our technical and strategic partners to ensure Blackstone is a leader within the green nickel battery market.”

Blackstone Minerals shares were up 2.33 per cent and trading at 22 cents at 1:09 pm AEST.