Proto Resources & Investments says it is now ready to commence its expanded clean technology test program, “which has the capability to revolutionise the treatment of nickel laterite. Over the past 16 months, Proto and its associates have been working on new technologies for the treatment of the Pregnant Liquor Solution left over once the nickel and cobalt have been removed as the principal value product from nickel laterite processing. Proto strongly believes that the water and acid recoveries will significantly enhance the economics of nickel laterite projects and may even lead to further production of new saleable products from the ore.”

The treatment of nickel laterite is an important area for the minerals industry to address as the majority of the world’s nickel reserves are based in laterite orebodies. As such, Proto is firmly of the belief that innovation in the processing technology of nickel laterite will lead to a significant commercial advantage being held by the best innovator in the sector. The nickel laterite processing technology which Proto and its associates are working on is based on a low capex atmospheric leach as distinct from a high cost high pressure autoclave technology currently used for quick leaching and suppression of iron dissolution and adverse consumption of acid.

Proto is currently finalising arrangements for the next stage of investment in the new technology and the board and management are very confident that this investment has the potential to provide a strong business position for Proto in the international nickel market.