The study outlines the development of an integrated nickel operation capable of producing approximately 43,500 tonnes of nickel contained in sulphate per annum, based on nickel recoveries of approximately 97% from Baptiste’s awaruite nickel concentrate. This output would be enough to fulfill 17% of North America’s EV battery demand in 2030, according to Goldman Sachs’ projections.
The operation uses a conventional hydrometallurgical flowsheet for production of high-purity nickel sulphate directly from Baptiste’s awaruite nickel concentrate (60% to 65% nickel), without the intermediate smelting typically required for sulphide concentrates or the extensive, aggressive pressure oxidation conditions required for laterite ores and sulphide concentrates.
Commented Martin Turenne, FPX’s president and CEO. “Baptiste’s awaruite nickel mineralization has clear technical advantages over sulphide and laterite ores for producing…
