RE:RE:Definitely the most informative article i’ve found:Yup indeed that was my impression also. The amount of ore amenable to this is not huge apparently plus it diverts their regular line of production and they are in the longer term doing their own hpal
autofocus111 wrote: Key takeaway: Overall nickel supply-demand does not change. More Indonesian nickel ore converted to battery-grade Ni means less nickel for NPI/SS production. Also, conversion of laterite to battery-grade nickel is more complex and almost certainly more costly than the process that uses nickel-sulfide ores. There is no 'free lunch'.
>>>The process does not necessarily impact the (overall) supply-demand balance
>>>The NPI-to-matte technology could face some challenges, experts said. "The NPI (for matte conversion) needs high-grade saprolite ore feed, which is limited. NPI for sale to stainless steel can use lower grade saprolite ore, so they are less exposed to this risk," independent consultant Steven Brown said. Another challenge that the NPI-matte conversion might face is the environmental footprint. "I am curious to see (EV maker) Tesla customers' reactions because NPI is very energy-intensive and currently uses coal power,"