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TMC and SGS Produce World-First Cobalt Sulfate from Deep-Seafloor Polymetallic Nodules
As part of TMC’s pilot-scale nodule processing, SGS and TMC produced the world's first cobalt sulfate from deep-seafloor polymetallic nodules, continuing to
About this update from Tmc The Metals Company Inc.
[{"type":"text","content":"As part of TMC’s pilot-scale nodule processing, SGS and TMC produced the world's first cobalt sulfate from deep-seafloor polymetallic nodules, continuing to indicate TMC’s resource is suitable for battery and energy transition marketsThe cobalt sulfate was produced in a testing program conducted in collaboration with SGS applying TMC’s efficient flowsheet design that processes high-grade nickel-copper-cobalt matte directly to high-purity cobalt sulfate (without making cobalt metal) and produces fertilizer products instead of solid waste or tailingsKey milestone advances TMC’s aim to decrease reliance on land-based cobalt deposits and supply chains, and follows last month’s successful production of the world’s first nickel sulfate derived exclusively from seafloor polymetallic nodules NEW YORK, June 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TMC the metals company Inc. (Nasdaq: TMC) (“TMC” or the “Company”), an explorer of the world’s largest estimated undeveloped source of critical battery metals, today announced that it has successfully produced the world’s first cobalt sulfate derived exclusively from seafloor polymetallic nodules. The cobalt sulfate was generated during bench-scale testing of TMC’s hydrometallurgical flowsheet design with SGS Canada Inc. (“SGS”). The test work was carried out at SGS’ Metallurgical Centre of Excellence testing facility in Lakefield, Ontario. Based on samples of nickel-cobalt-copper matte first produced by TMC in 2021, the Extractive Metallurgy team at SGS tested TMC’s efficient flowsheet to process high-grade nickel-copper-cobalt matte directly to high-purity cobalt sulfate without making cobalt metal, while producing fertilizer byproducts instead of solid waste or tailings. This milestone follows last month’s successful production of nickel sulfate, a key raw material input used in the production of energy-dense electric vehicle batteries. “This achievement further demonstrates the potential for seafloor polymetallic nodules as a valuable resource,” said Dr. Jeffrey Donald, TMC Head of Onshore Development. “Following the success of our first nickel sulfate production in April, production of the world’s first cobalt sulfate from deep-seafloor nodules is another important milestone for TMC and for creating a responsible supply of metals required for human flourishing. SGS continues to execute at a high level...