Collaborate with PTM BRIN, Hydrotech Metal Conduct Research to Process Nickel into Battery Precursor

By : Nata Kesuma | Saturday, October 02 2021 - 09:52 IWST

Agreement signing on August 26, 2021

INDUSTRY.co.id - Jakarta – PT Hydrotech Metal Indonesia resumed collaboration with the Materials Technology Center National Research and Innovation Agency (PTM BRIN) (formerly called as Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology/BPPT), after the completion of technology audit of Step Temperature Acid Leach (STAL) process at Hydrotech Metal's nickel laterite processing pilot plant.

In that technology audit, STAL Technology has been proven to produce nickel recovery, from 89% to 91%, and cobalt recovery, from 90% to 94%. Meanwhile, the STAL pilot plant has also been proven to be able to produce Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate (MHP) with Nickel content of more than 35%.

President Director of PT Hydrotech Metal Indonesia, Widodo Sucipto said that the focus of the collaboration between Hydrotech Metal and the Materials Technology Center (PTM) of BRIN this time is to produce continuation technological innovations from STAL, which is capable of processing nickel ore directly into the form of battery precursor (lithium battery raw material).

According to Widodo, the collaboration process so far is running smoothly, since the signing of the Cooperation Agreement (PKS) on August 26, 2021, until the delivery of Pregnant Leach Solution (PLS) fluid samples to be examined by PTM BRIN team on last Tuesday (28/09).

Furthermore, Widodo also explained that if Indonesia can have a technological innovation that can process nickel ore into battery precursor, in addition to make the nation proud, the technology innovation will also play a role in advancing the national electric vehicle battery industry with huge profit potential.

"Therefore, we ask for big support from the government. So that our efforts do not stop with only research and development, but also in meeting with battery precursor offtakers in Indonesia." Widodo concluded.

As information, PT Hydrotech Metal Indonesia is a business entity that is part of Trinitan Group. Founded in 2020, Hydrotech Metal focused on research and development of mineral processing technology in Indonesia. Meanwhile, STAL Technology is a hydrometallurgical nickel processing technology owned by Hydrotech Metal , which can process low grade nickel that has been deposited so far, environmentally friendly and with low cost. (*)