Vale’s production plant in New Caledonia produced its first batch of nickel hydroxide at the start of September. This was achieved during an overhaul of the plant, which is preparing to resume nickel ore refining operations.
In April, a column at the Grand Sud refining unit collapsed. Nobody was injured and safety mechanisms prevented any environmental damage. The incident was used as an opportunity to remodel the plant and produce nickel hydroxide, and also test the unit’s hydrometallurgical processes and its technology, safety and environmental systems.
Nickel hydroxide will be produced while the refinery undergoes refurbishment. In the production phase, the Grand Sud unit will be capable of producing 60,000 metric tons of nickel oxide and 4,500 metric tons of cobalt carbonate per year.
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