Increase Added Value, MIND ID Takes ADVANTAGE Of HPAL Encourages Low Nickel Downstream Emissions

Nickel (Photo: dock. Antara)

JAKARTA - BUMN Holding Indonesia Mining Industry MIND ID utilizes High Pressure Acid Leach (HPAL) technology which is currently being built by PT Vale Indonesia Tbk in Sorowako and Morowawali, as well as PT Aneka Tambang Tbk as an effort to increase added value and preserve the environment.

MIND ID Main Male Corporate Secretary said HPAL would be the implementation of the most advanced mining industry technological innovation in low-grade nickel ore processing, with a positive impact on energy efficiency and emission reduction.

"With HPAL, we are optimistic that nickel ore processing can be carried out in a sustainable manner, while maintaining the environment as the only place of human life in the future," said the man quoting Antara.

Men explained that HPAL is a processing technology to process nickel laterite ore, especially the limousine type, which has not been optimally utilized through electric furnace (RKEF) rotary technology.

Through heating nickel laterite ore at temperatures of good 225$C and pressure 45 MPa, as well as the addition of sulfate acid in reactors, HPAL is capable of extracting precious metals such as nickel and cobalt into Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate (MHP), which is the main raw material for electric vehicle batteries.

Compared to the RKEF, HPAL technology has a lower energy intensity and produces smaller carbon emissions.

HPAL also allows optimizing energy consumption through the integration of the waste heat utilization system and digitizing the production process.

This is the way to strengthen more significant efficiency in the nickel industry supply chain, as well as contribute to the reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions.

"The use of technology such as HPAL is proof that industrial growth and concern for the environment can go hand in hand. This step encourages Indonesia to lead to a clean, efficient, and more competitive energy future in the global arena," he said.

Furthermore, said Pria, MHP generated through HPAL will later become the main ingredient for producing electric vehicle battery cells, namely the crucial component in encouraging the acceleration of the energy transition and transportation electrification.

With the ability of the MIND ID Group in the production of mineral raw materials, especially MHP for battery cells, Indonesia is able to prepare a strong electric vehicle industry ecosystem to encourage increased national economic performance.

"We believe that Indonesia can answer domestic electric vehicle needs independently, and can even become a contributor in responding to global market demand," he added.