Processing

Development Timelines   |   Construction Schedule

Vale Inco is planning to construct a state-of-the-art nickel processing plant to process the nickel-cobalt-copper concentrate based on an innovative hydrometallurgical process that is currently under development.  Its development is proceeding in two steps:

• Design, construction and operation of a demonstration facility to confirm the technical and economic viability of the hydrometallurgical process. A feasibility study will be carried out in conjunction with the operation of the demonstration facility to confirm economic and technical viability.
• Design, construction and commissioning of a nickel processing plant, upon completion of the feasibility study.

In the event that the proposed hydrometallurgical process is not technically or economically feasible, a conventional hydrometallurgical nickel matte processing plant, or another similar facility, will be built using proven technology to produce finished nickel.

Vale Inco has undertaken to advise the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador of its decision by November 15, 2008, as to the type of processing facility it intends to construct to produce finished nickel. Should the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador contest the decision, independent experts will be retained to review the technical and economic data and will then present an opinion as to which processing will be used . Vale Inco and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador have agreed to abide by the final recommendation made by the experts.

A detailed description and schedule for the engineering and construction of the mutually agreed-upon type of nickel processing plant will be prepared by December 31, 2008. The nickel processing plant will be completed by December 31, 2011.

The nickel processing plant was registered for environmental assessment in March 2006 and an Environmental Impact Statement was submitted in April 2008. On July 18, 2008, the Government of Canada released the nickel processing plant from further environmental assessment and on August 26, 2008, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador released the project from the provincial  environmental assessment process.

Click here to view Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s News Release.

The plant will be fully compliant with all Federal and Provincial environmental assessment legislation. Click here to view the environmental registration document.