Mineral ore extraction has an important element for producing battery raw-material. However, today method seems uneffective. Let’s take a look at Mineral Technology Workshop in the Agency for Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT) in Ciampea, Bogor. NBRI already visited that workshop on May, 11th 2021. From 50 kg of geothite mineral, they extracted 2-3 kg of nickel using sulphuric acid leaching. Of course, it still needs improvement. Fortunately, we have one of the emerging mineral processing technology, namely Step Temperature Acid Leach (STAL).
STAL technology is developed by PT. Trinitan Metals and Minerals (NBRI also visited part of this company namely PT. Nipress on May, 12th 2021). This new hydrometallurgical technique is possible for processing low-content nickel in Indonesia. STAL also known as advanced roasting leaching electrowinning process (RLEP) technology. There are three stage of processings; roasting, leaching, and electrowinning. Roasting process is a water separation from nickel-ore. Leaching stage is a metal separation using sulfuric acid. From this stage, the main product is mixed-hydroxide precipitate (MHP) with 30% nickel concentration. And the last stage is MHP purification process using electrowinning method. In fact, Indonesia has a 9.4 billion ton that mostly low-content nickel under 1.7%. By implementing STAL processing, Indonesia will lead the nickel ore extraction that fundamental for battery industry.
| Date | : | 29 June 2021 |
| Written by | : | NBRI |
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