The agreement is signed: Eramet and BASF join forces to study the development of nickel-cobalt production in Weda Bay, Indonesia, for the electric vehicle battery market.

BASF and Eramet have signed an agreement to jointly assess the development of a state-of-the-art nickel and cobalt hydrometallurgical refining complex. Such a development would include a High-Pressure Acid Leaching (HPAL) plant and a Base Metal Refinery (BMR).

The project targets a start-up of the HPAL and BMR facilities in the mid-2020s and will commence in the first phase feasibility study with limited funding.

It would provide BASF access to an additional secure source of 42,000 metric tons of nickel and 5,000 metric tons of cobalt annually from mines operating according to internationally recognized sustainability standards.

Christel BORIES

 

Chairman and CEO of the Eramet Group

With high potential deposits and strong metallurgy know-how, Eramet is well positioned to supply critical metals for energy transition. A key pillar of our strategy is to grow in this area. Partnering with BASF is a unique opportunity in line with our ambition to provide a solid and sustainable supply for the batteries industry.