- EcoPro HPAL Autoclaves support Indonesia's major nickel processing expansion.
- New smelter strengthens long-term EV battery material supply.
South Korea-based EcoPro has completed the delivery of two high-pressure autoclave reactors to the Bahodopi Nickel Smelting Indonesia (BNSI) project, marking an important milestone in the development of one of Indonesia's major nickel processing facilities. The delivery ceremony took place on July 22, while the company officially announced the achievement on July 23. The specialized reactors will play a central role in the high-pressure acid leaching (HPAL) process, a technology used to recover valuable battery metals from nickel ore.
Autoclaves to Power HPAL Nickel Extraction
The high-pressure autoclave reactors are essential equipment within the HPAL process, where nickel ore is combined with a sulfuric acid solution under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions. This process enables the extraction of critical battery materials, including nickel and cobalt. Once operational, the BNSI smelter will have an annual nickel production capacity of 90,000 tons, supported by three autoclaves capable of processing approximately 30,000 tons each. Two reactors have already reached the site, while the third unit is scheduled for delivery in September 2026.
Construction and Production Timeline
The nickel smelter is currently under construction on Sulawesi Island and is expected to reach mechanical completion before the end of 2026. Following completion, the facility is planned to enter trial production at the earliest by late 2026. Commercial operations are scheduled to begin during the second quarter of 2027, expanding Indonesia's capability to process nickel domestically and strengthen its role in the global battery materials supply chain.
BNSI Ownership Structure and Nickel Supply
BNSI is a joint venture led by EcoPro, which holds the largest ownership stake at 39%. Other participants include PT Vale Indonesia and GEM Co Ltd. Through this investment, EcoPro will secure annual nickel procurement rights totaling 36,000 tons from the project. Combined with the company's previously secured 29,000 tons, its overall annual nickel procurement rights will increase to 65,000 tons.
EcoPro Nickel Procurement Overview
| Category | Quantity |
|---|---|
| BNSI Annual Nickel Rights | 36,000 tons |
| Previously Secured Rights | 29,000 tons |
| Total Annual Procurement Rights | 65,000 tons |
| Smelter Production Capacity | 90,000 tons per year |
Supporting Electric Vehicle Battery Demand
The BNSI facility's planned annual production capacity is equivalent to the quantity of nickel required for approximately 2 million electric vehicles each year. By securing additional long-term nickel supplies through the joint venture, EcoPro aims to strengthen raw material availability for battery manufacturing while supporting growing global demand for electric mobility and advanced energy storage applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of the HPAL autoclaves delivered by EcoPro?
The HPAL autoclaves are the primary processing equipment used in the high-pressure acid leaching process. They enable nickel ore to react with sulfuric acid under elevated temperature and pressure to recover valuable metals such as nickel and cobalt. These materials are essential for manufacturing lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles. The delivered reactors will support production at the BNSI nickel smelter once the facility enters commercial operations.
When will the BNSI nickel smelter begin commercial operations?
The BNSI nickel smelter is expected to complete construction and begin trial production by the end of 2026 at the earliest. Full-scale commercial operations are scheduled to commence during the second quarter of 2027. Once operational, the facility will have an annual nickel production capacity of 90,000 tons and contribute significantly to the supply of battery-grade nickel for the electric vehicle industry.
Click above to visit the official source.
Discussion
Join the conversation.