Queensland Pacific Metals Ltd (ASX:QPM) has found success in producing nickel sulphate that meets the specifications of offtake partners at a refinery pilot plant for the Townsville Energy Chemicals Hub (TECH) Project.
More than 10 kilograms of on-spec nickel sulphate has been produced since QPM commenced pilot-scale test-work at the facilities of SGS Canada in May.
The company said the quality of the nickel sulphate produced meets the specifications of the offtake agreements signed with General Motors (NYSE:GM), LG Energy Solutions and POSCO.
Aiding financing
“Nickel sulphate is the main product being produced at the TECH Project,” QPM managing director and chief executive officer Dr Stephen Grocott said.
“Production of on-spec material through our pilot test-work is a significant achievement and will greatly assist in our financing endeavours.”
Cobalt sulphate next
Since May, QPM has undertaken a series of pilot tests, evaluating critical sub-processes such as:
- Aluminium precipitation;
- Impurity solvent extraction (ISX);
- Cobalt solvent extraction (CSX (NASDAQ:CSX)) and nickel solvent extraction (NSX);
- Transformation solvent extraction and purification solvent extraction; and
- Nickel sulphate crystallisation.
The aluminium precipitation process.