Hi JD
Interesting what BB is inferring regarding the "proprietary/unique" processing. What he is referring too is CLQ's Ion Exchange patented system. This involves using pulp in resin instead of the usual Hydromet system that all other nickel laterites use (CCD's -big thickners). Goro also used Pulp in Resin but not to great success, one of the pulse columns (there are 6) collapsed. These are big towers made of fibreglass approx 25-30m tall.
Also back in 2007/8 BHP was going to build a nickel laterite, straight after Ravo, in Indonesia. The Indon Gov was I think a 20 or 30% partner, BHP wanted to build a standard Hydromet plant but Indon's wanted pulp in resin and use a Pyrometallurgy process which is used with nickel sulphide processing. BHP could not convince Indon's this was a untried process so pulled out totally. Initially this was to be a 50KT nickel plant and expand up to 250KT.
AUZ Price at posting:
11.5¢ Sentiment: Hold Disclosure: Held
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