Tag Archives: battery chemicals

Metso Outotec introduces new modular filter for battery chemicals sector

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Metso Outotec says it is introducing a new modular filter to its Dual Media (DM) filter product family, with the compact Metso Outotec DM1000 polishing filter particularly suitable for removing and recovering organic compounds and solids in small stream feeds in battery chemicals processes.

Thanks to its modular design, the filter is easy to expand also for larger process flows, the company says.

The DM1000 can be used as a traditional electrolyte filter in the extraction processes as well as for feed flow purification before crystallisation in the metal crystallisation processes.

“Since the launch of our first DM filters some years ago, we have delivered almost 50 DM and DM AC filters for hydrometallurgical extraction and crystallisation processes,” Mika Vuorikari, Director of Industrial Filtration at Metso Outotec, says. “We have delivered hundreds of polishing filters to the mining, chemical and hydrometallurgical industries around the world.

“Adding the modular DM1000 filter to our offering caters to the special needs of the rapidly growing battery industry, where sustainable high-quality filtration is needed to ensure increased production capacities and high-quality end products.”

Coming with energy- and water-efficiency benefits, the Metso Outotec DM1000 polishing filter for battery chemicals is part of the company’s Planet Positive offering.

Glencore and Umicore sign up to cobalt hydroxide supply pact

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As part of a new agreement with Umicore, Glencore has agreed to supply cobalt hydroxide from its KCC and Mutanda operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo to Umicore’s battery materials value chain.

Umicore has assessed each of these operations as fully compliant with its sustainable procurement framework for cobalt, which excludes artisanally-mined cobalt from its supply chain, as well as any form of child labour, the companies said.

The cobalt units will be shipped to Umicore’s cobalt refineries globally, including the Kokkola refinery (Finland), which Umicore said last week it would acquire from Freeport Cobalt for a total consideration of $150 million. The Kokkola transaction is expected to be finalised by the end of the year.

Glencore produced 42,200 t of cobalt in 2018, the majority of which came from its 65%-owned KCC operation and Mutanda.

“The agreement guarantees Umicore’s security of supply for a substantial part of its longer-term cobalt needs for its expanding global battery materials value chain,” the companies said. “The agreement also provides Glencore long-term market access for its cobalt raw materials in line with Umicore’s growing cathode materials sales.”

Marc Grynberg, CEO of Umicore, said: “Our partnership with Glencore and the acquisition of the Kokkola refinery which has just been announced demonstrate our ability to execute our growth strategy for cathode materials with consistency. The agreement also reconfirms our strong commitment to promote a sustainable battery materials value chain globally.

“I am convinced that our battery cell and automotive customers will value our commitment to support their growth.”

Nico Paraskevas, Head of Marketing, Copper & Cobalt, Glencore, said: “We are pleased to enter into this long-term partnership with Umicore in the fast growing electric vehicle market which further endorses Glencore’s important role in supplying the materials that enable the energy and mobility transition.”

Outotec battery chemicals production technology on its way to Terrafame

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Outotec and Finnish multi-metal company Terrafame have agreed on the delivery of pressure leaching and solvent extraction technologies for a battery chemicals plant to be built in Sotkamo.

The two firms had already agreed on a supply deal, but had yet to confirm the specifications.

The total order value booked in the December quarter order intake is approximately €34 million ($39 million).

Outotec has partnered with Terrafame on this project since the prefeasibility study phase, helping the firm design the 170,000 t/y of nickel sulphate and 7,400 t/y of cobalt sulphate plant, which will be built nearby to the company’s existing mine.

“Outotec’s scope of delivery comprises the technology and engineering of the leaching and solvent extraction plants, supply of proprietary equipment as well as advisory services for installation, training, commissioning and start-up,” the company said.

The battery chemicals plant is expected to be ready for commissioning in 2020. As a by-product, the plant will produce approximately 115,000 t/y of ammonium sulphate used as a fertiliser and in process industry.

Kalle Härkki, Head of Outotec’s Metals, Energy & Water business unit, said: “We are pleased to be Terrafame’s trusted technology partner in this project. The demand for battery chemicals is expected to grow significantly in the future and we have the required expertise and proprietary equipment for their processing.”

Terrafame confirmed in October that it would go ahead with building the plant after securing the €240 million ($273 million) it needed for construction.