Preliminary research has shown that cobalt, nickel, copper and lithium can be recovered as high purity sulphate products with an estimated operating cost of $ 15 /kg per cobalt sulphate contained before by-products are obtained, the company said, adding that she has patent applications in Australia and Europe.
Experimental testing is underway in Canada, followed by an engineering study and a feasibility study.
According to Neometals, this study supports the company's strategy of finding effective waste management solutions in response to the global proliferation of lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles.
The company, which recently sold its stake in the Mt Marion lithium mine in Western Australia, is considering setting up a refinery in Queenan, south of Perth, to process about 50 t /d or 18,263 t /y of feedstock, including 9,623 t /year of cobalt sulfate, 5635 tons /year of copper sulfate, 1544 tons /year of lithium sulfate and 2020 tons /year of nickel sulfate.
CAPEX is estimated at US $ 66 million, EBITDA net present value is US $ 220 million, and payback period is two years.
Construction of the plant is expected to take about 12 months, which means it could be operational in 2021 if all permits are obtained and the necessary financial agreements are made.
