| Abstract Scope |
The demand for base metals is accelerating with interest in Nickel and Cobalt due to the global demand for electrical vehicles and cobalt featuring on the list of critical raw materials (CRM) for the European union, materials fundamental to Europe’s economy, growth and jobs. Terrafame Oy is an established metals producer of Nickel, Zinc, Cobalt and Copper in Sotkamo, Finland. The process utilizes bioleaching and precipitation to produce sulphide metals with lower environmental impact, in an energy efficient manner. This paper describes the next stage of metals production at Terrafame; Hydrometallurgical refining process designed by Metso:Outotec treating NiCo-sulfide intermediate, to produce battery grade nickel and cobalt sulphate crystals. Focus is put to the oxidative pressure leaching of the NiCo-sulphide as well as the purification of PLS achieving battery grade quality. Cold and hot commissioning phases of the pressure leaching autoclave start-up are discussed together with the experiences from the ramp-up. |