Vale, the world's largest iron ore producer, and Huayu Cobalt, a Chinese producer of new energy battery materials, have announced renewed cooperation.
Vale Indonesia has renewed its partnership with Huayou Cobalt to develop a high pressure acid leaching (HPAL) smelter in Sorowako township, East Luu District, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia, the mining industry has learned from Vale on September 14. This is another joint venture after five months ago to develop an annual capacity of 120,000 tons of nickel cobalt hydroxide (MHP).
The cooperation between the two parties began at the beginning of this year, and Huayou Cobalt has completed a feasibility study. Based on the positive results of the feasibility study, both sides agreed to deepen cooperation and sign a framework agreement on September 13, which will serve as a reference for further detailed agreements between the two sides.
The new high-pressure acid leaching plant will process brown iron and nickel ore to produce nickel-cobalt hydroxide (MHP) products, with a planned annual nickel metal capacity of about 60,000 tonnes. Cobalt hydroxide can be further processed into materials for battery components such as electric vehicles.
One of the highlights of the partnership is the commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, and the two sides have agreed to work together to do whatever it takes to reduce carbon emissions. Huayou and Vale Indonesia will further explore low-carbon energy alternatives.
Practice sustainable extraction
Febriany Eddy, CEO of Vale Indonesia, noted that the partnership is a restatement of Vale Indonesia's commitment to sustainable extraction and is in line with Vale Indonesia's strategy to support the government's plan to build an EV ecosystem in Indonesia.
Deshnee Naidoo, executive vice-president of Vale's base metals business and Supervisor of Vale Indonesia, said: "We are pleased to be expanding our cooperation with Huru on this important project. This cooperation framework agreement provides another catalyst for the sustainable economic development of Indonesia's world-class nickel resources. This framework agreement, together with recent progress on the Pomara High Pressure acid leaching project and the Bahadobi mine project, demonstrates our commitment to the next generation of sustainable growth projects with minimal environmental impact, for the benefit of all stakeholders in the region and country where the projects are located."
Hsueh-hua huayou cobalt industry chairman said: "our cooperation, is the vale of resources advantages and huayou cobalt industry the perfect combination of advanced pressure acid leaching technology advantage, low carbon, green and sustainable resource development, get a growth opportunity for both sides, add power for industry development, contribute to Indonesia's economic and social development."
