CLEAN, NO WASTE, CRITICAL METAL PROCESSING
Zero Waste: No tailings; produces an inert residue that aids site rehabilitation.
Efficient Extraction: Utilises nitric acid, recovering and reusing 99%, to extract all available metals.
Maximised Value: More saleable products, reducing financial risk from single product prices.
Flexible Chemistry: Adaptable to various feed materials.
The DNi Ni Process™
The DNi Ni Process™ is a unique technology which can process the full laterite ore profile (limonite, saprolite, and transition zone) with nitric acid, and which extracts all the metals contained in the feed. Boasting a 99% nitric acid recovery rate, our DNi Ni Process™ minimises environmental impact. The resulting residue, mainly silicates with trace nitrates, can act as a weak fertiliser, enhancing mine rehabilitation efforts.
Environmental Impact
The DNi Al Process™ is capable of processing bauxite and/or red mud, which can be rich in rare earth elements (REEs) and other valuable metals. This breakthrough process reduces the need for new mines, mitigates environmental hazards, and addresses existing waste challenges. Its ability to eliminate red mud production signifies a monumental leap towards sustainable mining practices.
Future Applications and Market Advantage
Altilium is continuously pushing the boundaries. We’re exploring the application of our technology to refractory gold ore, values bearing iron sulphide ores and rejects as well as tin, gossan, caron, coal ash and other tailings. Opening up new markets for extracting valuable, as well as critical minerals, without generating waste.
| THE DNi PROCESSTM | HPAL |
|---|---|
| MAIN PRODUCT: Mixed Hydroxide Product (avg Ni/Co content around 50%) | MAIN PRODUCT: Mixed Hydroxide Product (avg Ni/Co content from 35 to 45%) |
| OPTIONAL CO-PRODUCTS: Any metal contained in the feed, typically: Hematite (Fe2O3), Magnesia (MgO), Aluminium Hydroxide & Scandium Oxide | OPTIONAL CO-PRODUCTS: Ammonium Sulfate, Scandium |
| ORE FEED: Processes the full lateritic ore profile (limonite, saprolite and transition zone) | ORE FEED: Primarily process the limonite ore because Mg in the saprolite significantly increases acid consumption |
| PRESSURE: Operates at 1 atmosphere | PRESSURE: Autoclave operates at 35-50 atmospheres |
| TEMPERATURE: Extracts metals at 110°C | TEMPERATURE: Extracts metals at around 250°C |
| CONSTRUCTION COMPLEXITY: The plant will be constructed substantially or completely from 304L stainless steel | CONSTRUCTION COMPLEXITY: Requires submarine-sized titanium autoclaves which are lined with ceramic bricks |
| TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT & CONSTRAINTS: Proprietary; Not yet commercialised; easily scalable | TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT & CONSTRAINTS: Mature (technology has been in use since 1959) but has a history of cost-overruns and failures; production volumes of less than 30,000 tonnes per annum of Ni in MHP are not viable |
| ACID CONSUMPTION: 12- 35kg of nitric acid per tonne of dry ore is consumed (i.e. this is the “top-up” acid required) – 99% of the acid is recovered and reused | ACID CONSUMPTION: 250-500kg of sulphuric acid per tonne of processed ore is consumed – generating acid-rich tailings which need to be neutralised |
| POWER REQUIREMENT: To be determined following completion of a Feasibility Study | POWER REQUIREMENT: ~241GJ per tonne of Ni equivalent*Actual volume is largely determined by the iron content of the ore. |