Forward strategy for the KNP Cobalt Zone
It is recognized that the third and fourth generation HPAL processing plants have largely succeeded due to learnings, through success, failure, and working issues from previous generation HPAL operations. The most successful operations adopted a lower CAPEX modular approach, achieving their target production in two stages. Ardea’s strategy is to develop the HPAL-MS process flowsheet to:
1. Produce target cobalt and nickel products (sulphates) for the rapidly expanding battery industry. The flow sheet will: a. Be based on proven technologically that is financially successful for laterite ores. b. Be supported by continuous test work results on the Goongarrie Line deposits c. Provide opportunities for production of valuable by-products such as scandium, aluminum and manganese. (Aluminium and manganese have similar growth opportunities to nickel and cobalt products within the battery industry).
2. Select key personnel for the engineering and owners team that have been involved in previous generation HPAL design, commissioning and ramp up.
3. Assess and adopt successful implementation components of third and fourth generation laterite operations such as low capex modular two stage approach, that is starting with a single stream, and adding a second stream based on operating experience.
ARL Price at posting:
$1.70 Sentiment: Hold Disclosure: Held
