- Queensland Pacific Metals (QPM) has produced battery chemical nickel sulphate from nickel-cobalt mixed hydroxide precipitate (MHP) produced at its pilot plant
- The Stimulus Group successfully completed bench-scale testwork to produce nickel sulphate that met a range of specifications required by battery manufactures
- The assay results exceeded QPMS targets for all elements
- Pilot-scale testwork for the production of nickel sulphate from the remaining MHP will now ensue
- Shares are up 2.5 per cent to 10.3 cents
Queensland Pacific Metals (QPM) has produced battery chemical nickel sulphate from nickel-cobalt mixed hydroxide precipitate (MHP) produced at its pilot plant.
In December last year, the company produced the first batch of nickel-cobalt MHP at its pilot plant located at ALS Global.
The production was a significant milestone for QPM as nickel-cobalt MHP is currently the preferred intermediate nickel product used to refine nickel sulphate for batteries.
Since then, QPM has reported excellent nickel-cobalt MHP assay results from its TECH Project in Townsville, Queensland.
To follow up the MHP production, QPM engaged The Stimulus Group to undertake bench scale testwork to produce nickel sulphate that met a range of specifications required by battery manufactures.
Using a conventional industry flowsheet, involving re-leach, solvent extraction, impurity removal and crystallisation, Stimulus successful produced nickel sulphate that exceeded QPMs targets.
Further, QPM said the results satisfy the strictest battery specifications.
This production of battery-specific nickel sulphate from a bulk sample of representative nickel ore sourced from New Caledonian ore supply partners marks an important milestone for the company.
Managing Director Stephen Grocott commented on the production.
“We have now completed the full process from a raw ore source to a final battery chemical product.”
“The Australian Government is trying to develop the nation’s capability for advanced manufacturing and the TECH Project is the perfect example of a project that would fit this bill,” he continued.
QPM will now undertake pilot scale testwork for the production of nickel sulphate from its remaining MHP.
The company also continues to work with the CSIRO on the assessment of an alternative refining flowsheet that it hopes will result in potential process savings.
Shares are up 2.5 per cent to 10.3 cents at 10:31 am AEST.