On April 28th, PT Vale Indonesia and Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt Company Limited signed a Framework Cooperation Agreement (FCA) to develop a High-Pressure Acid Leaching (HPAL) processing facility in Pomalaa, Kolaka.
The main points agreed upon by the two parties, relating to the Pomalaa HPAL Project, include:
- Huayou will construct and implement the Pomalaa HPAL Project, and PT Vale will have the right to acquire up to 30% of the shares.
- The Pomalaa HPAL Project will adopt and apply Huayou’s proven HPAL process, technology and configuration to process the limonite ore and low grade saprolite ore from PT Vale’s mines in Pomalaa, to produce Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate (MHP) Product with a potential production capacity of up to 120,000 metric tonnes of nickel per annum.
- Both companies will work together to minimize the carbon footprint of the project and have agreed not to use captive or dedicated coal-fired power plants for any power source for the purpose of the Pomalaa HPAL Project.
The Parties will sign definitive agreements no later than six months after the signing of this FCA. The construction which already started through early works done by PT Vale will continue and accelerate with this cooperation agreement. The target is to complete construction within three years.
Vale CEO, Febriany Eddy said, “We appreciate that our partner comes along with our low carbon agenda, not to use coal fired power plant. This FCA is evidence of alignment of our sustainability commitments which are extremely important for PT Vale. Huayou has proven track records in HPAL construction and operations in Indonesia. We are confident that the two parties can serve as good complement for each other.”
(Source: Vale )