BHP plans to expand its nickel processing plant at Mt Keith, Western Australia to meet the growing demand for the battery metal. Eddy Haegel, heading BHP’s Nickel West operations, Tuesday, stated that demand for nickel-in-batteries is expected to increase by over 500pc in the next decade.
The company is ramping up its nickel production to cater to surging demand. At Mt Keith, BHP plans to expand its concentrator capacity by 50pc to 15mn mt by installing a 16MW SAG and upgrading the flotation circuit
Yakabindie minesite (Goliath and 6 Mile Well pits) is at full production and Stage I of the Mt Keith pit will start in September 2022.
Venus underground mine is producing at full capacity, while the undercut phase is progressing at Leinster B11 with full production scheduled for 2023. The life of Cliffs is extended to 2024 while the study at Honeymoon well is progressing
Nickel West sells 85pc of its nickel production to the electric vehicle (EV) supply chain, which consists of precursor, cathode active material, battery producers and automakers. The company expects growth in sales to the battery segment with increased demand for EVs in Europe, North America and Asia. BHP aims to be among the top supplier of battery-grade nickel.