Technology – The Sary-Arka Process
A low-pressure, low-temperature hydrometallurgical system enabling direct production of nickel and cobalt sulfates from lateritic ores — with zero direct CO₂ emissions at the process level.
From laterites to battery-grade NiSO₄ and CoSO₄
The proprietary Sary-Arka Process is a low-pressure, low-temperature hydrometallurgical system that enables direct production of NiSO₄ and CoSO₄ from lateritic ores — eliminating energy-intensive intermediate stages such as MHP, NPI, or matte refining.
This breakthrough delivers zero direct CO₂ emissions from the process level, while achieving capital costs approximately 40% lower than traditional HPAL technology. The technology makes deposits with ≥0.6% Ni content economically viable, unlocking resources that were previously inaccessible.
The Sary-Arka Process can also process legacy ore stockpiles, historic tailings, and previously processed material from earlier mining operations, offering a sustainable pathway to recover valuable metals from waste streams. Any remaining emissions are limited primarily to shallow open-pit mining and logistics, which are minimized through careful mine planning.
- Direct NiSO₄ and CoSO₄ production – all battery-grade precursors.
- Operates at ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure.
- Zero direct CO₂ emissions from the hydrometallurgical process and 3–5× lower total CO₂ footprint than HPAL.
- ~40% lower CAPEX, ~2-year construction vs 5–8 years for HPAL.
- Economically processes low-grade ores (≥0.6% Ni).
- Processes legacy stockpiles and historic tailings.
- Water and reagent recycling with multiple reuse cycles.
Validated performance at pilot and lab scale
Laboratory-validated nickel recovery to final sulfate product.
Laboratory-validated cobalt recovery to final sulfate product.
Battery-grade NiSO₄ quality.
Lower energy use compared to HPAL.
Zero direct CO₂ emissions from the hydrometallurgical process.
Energy efficiency and reagent reuse confirmed.
How the Sary-Arka Process compares
| Parameter | HPAL | Pyrometallurgy | Sary-Arka Process |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | ≈250 °C | ≈1,200 °C | Ambient |
| Pressure | ≈40 bar | Atmospheric | Atmospheric |
| CO₂ emissions | High | Very high | Zero at process level |
| Energy use | High | Very high | Up to 80% lower |
| Ore grade | > 1.5% Ni | > 1.5% Ni | ≥ 0.6% Ni |
| CAPEX | Very high | High | Low (≈ −40%) |
| Build time | 4–6 years | 5–7 years | ≈2 years |