PT Vale Indonesia Tbk (INCO) officially signed a definitive cooperation agreement with Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt Co Ltd, and PT Huali Nickel Indonesia (Huali) for the construction of a nickel processing facility with high pressure acid leaching (HPAL) technology located in Sorowako, South Sulawesi.

The consortium targets to produce 60,000 tonnes of nickel and 5,000 tonnes of cobalt per year in the form of mixed hydroxide precipitate (MHP) which can be processed into electric vehicle ( EV) batteries.

The smelter will process limonite nickel ore from the Sorowako block. Meanwhile, the HPAL factory will be located in Malili, East Luwu, South Sulawesi.

Vale Indonesia CEO Febriany Eddy explained, this project together with the latest progress of the Pomalaa HPAL project and the Morowali project are part of realizing the company's commitment to growth and fulfilling the company's investment commitments.

"This collaboration is in line with the vision to develop the domestic electric vehicle ecosystem, while at the same time making Vale a major contributor in responding to the challenges of world decarbonization, with investments that are able to bring local economic improvements, and ensure the empowerment of Indonesia's nickel resources," said Febri in his official statement, Friday (25/8/2023).

President Commissioner of Vale Indonesia Desnee Naidoo added that the agreement was a strategic achievement for Vale, as part of the implementation of the company's US$ 8.6 million investment program in Indonesia.

"Vale is in a unique position and is committed to supporting the acceleration of Indonesia's target for more advanced downstreaming, as well as presenting an attractive electric vehicle supply chain," added Deshnee.

Meanwhile, Huayou chairman Chen Xuehua said, cooperation to build an equal future for the lithium industry is a development concept that Huayou firmly adheres to the implementation commitment.

"This collaboration is another perfect combination of world-class leading practices from Huayou Cobalt, for green and low-carbon HPAL-based processing technology, Indonesia's resource advantages and Vale's sustainable mining consistency," he said.

Chen added, Huayou will carry out low-carbon, green and sustainable resource development, as well as carry out in-depth environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) concepts, to enhance the power of the new energy industry.

Image source: Beritasatu.com / Zsazya Senorita

Source: www.beritasatu.com/Vale Gandeng Huayou Dan Huali Bangun Smelter HPAL Di Sorowako