Blackstone Minerals has selected Metso as the technology supplier for the definitive feasibility study of its pCAM (precursor cathode active material) processing plant at the Ta Khoa Refinery in northern Vietnam. 

Metso is already involved in the design of the plant and will also conduct independent pCAM test work to validate the nickel and cobalt sulphates generated during the pilot program for suitability in pCAM generation.

“Blackstone intends to leverage off Metso’s engineering services and know-how into the pCAM facility design, thus de-risking the project and confirming Blackstone’s intent to be a real player in the pCAM space,” said Scott Williamson, managing director at Blackstone Minerals.

“Securing another world leader to the Ta Khoa project is yet another jigsaw piece in the battery value chain puzzle. Blackstone continues to look forward to project success as it marches towards developing the greenest and most resilient nickel business in the world.”

In addition to technical support, Metso brings a suite of bespoke and high value technology to the pCAM facility design, such as the modular OKTOP reactors (with industrial references for scaling-up pCAM precipitation processes), Larox filtration technologies and Courier HX continuous product quality analyser equipment to enable precision control and real-time optimisation. 

The refinery would be fed by feedstock from the Ta Khoa nickel project, which Blackstone owns a 90% interest. First production at the refinery is currently targeted for next year with ramp up to steady state operations forecasted to be achieved in 2026.

Sources: Metso and Blackstone Minerals