Eramet and BASF to Erect HPAL and BMR Factory in Indonesia

Eramet SA, a French-based mineral mining company, signed an agreement with BASF, a German chemical manufacturer, to develop a high-pressure acid leaching (HPAL) and a base metal refinery (BMR) factory in Indonesia. According to the plan, the HPAL factory will be built in the Weda Bay Industrial Estate, Central Halmahera, North Maluku. Meanwhile, the location of the BMR factory will be determined by Eramet and BASF during the feasibility study.

The HPAL plant will process nickel ore from the Weda Bay Nickel mine, acquired by Eramet in 2006 and started production in late 2019, into mix hydroxide precipitate (MHP) and mix sulfide precipitate (MSP). Afterward, BMR will process it into nickel sulfate and cobalt sulfate. Both are raw materials for precursor cathode active materials (PCAM) and cathode active materials (CAM) for lithium-ion electric vehicle batteries.

Eramet Chairman and CEO, Christel Bories, revealed with high potential deposits and strong metallurgical know-how, Eramet is well-positioned to supply critical metals for the energy transition. "The 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 battery industry," she commented in a press release on Wednesday (12/16).

BASF is also optimistic about these two projects. "With Eramet, we have a responsible and experienced partner to supply raw materials for our battery material production," said Peter Schuhmacher, President of BASF's Catalysts division.