On-shore Processing of Seabed Minerals

Episode Description:

Welcome to another episode of Beyond Oil: The Rise of Critical Metals. Today, we're exploring the fascinating realm of seabed minerals and the complexities of onshore processing. Join us as we host Niels Verbaan, Technical Services Director at SGS, who shares his expertise on the various flowsheets, the importance of risk management, and the journey towards sustainable extraction of these valuable resources.

Guest:

• Niels Verbaan, Technical Services Director at SGS

Host:

• Oliver Gunasekara, CEO & Co-Founder of Impossible Metals

Episode Timeline:

• Introduction & Welcome (0:00 – 5:00)

• Background on Seabed Mineral Processing (5:00 – 10:00)

• Overview of Processing Flow Sheets (10:00 – 20:00)

• Challenges & Economic Considerations (20:00 – 30:00)

• Risk Factors & Pilot Testing (30:00 – 40:00)

• Material Handling & Operational Challenges (40:00 – 50:00)

• McNulty Ramp-Up Curves & Case Studies (50:00 – 1:05:00)

• Sustainability & Environmental Impact (1:05:00 – 1:15:00)

• Q&A Session (1:15:00 – 1:55:00)

• Closing Remarks & Next Steps (1:55:00 – End)

Key Takeaways:

• Nodule Composition and Processing Challenges: Niels explains the unique composition of CCZ nodules, the challenges in physical upgrading, and the need for hydrometallurgical processes.

• Overview of Processing Options: The discussion covers various chemical approaches including ammonia, chlorides, and nitrates, with a focus on smelting acid leaching (TMC), reductive acid leaching (GSR), and the cuprous ammonium leach (CUPRION) process.

• In-Depth Analysis of High-Pressure Acid Leaching (HPAL): Niels delves into the potential of HPAL as a mature technology for nodule processing, highlighting its benefits and addressing concerns around plant location and waste product management.

• The Critical Role of Piloting and Risk Management: The discussion emphasizes the importance of pilot plants in derisking projects, understanding material handling, and ensuring operational robustness.

• Analysis of Ramp-Up Curves: Niels presents a compelling analysis of ramp-up curves for various critical mineral projects, highlighting the challenges and the significance of thorough preparation and piloting.

• Sustainable Considerations: The discussion touches on the sustainability aspects of nodule processing compared to traditional mining, and Impossible Metals' commitment to net-zero operations.

Resources:

• SGS website

Contact:

• Niels Verbaan: niels.verbaan@sgs.com