Vale completes prefeasibility study on new nickel sulphate project
Canadian mining giant Vale has completed an important milestone in the proposed nickel sulphate project expanding into Quebec.
Vale has finished the pre-feasibility study for the proposed project in Bécancour, Que. that will help supply material used to make lithium-ion batteries.
This news comes more than two months after the federal government announced it will invest $2 billion on mineral strategy for the electric vehicle battery supply chain and one month after Vale inked a deal with Tesla to supply nickel for its electric vehicles.
"This strategic initiative highlights Vale's focus on delivering low carbon and high-purity nickel products into the growing electric vehicle industry," the company said in a news release Thursday.
"(It) would be the first-of-its-kind fully domestic nickel sulphate facility for the North American market, leveraging current and future production of low carbon and high-grade nickel from Vale's world-class Canadian operations."
The new operation would be able to process 25,000 tonnes of contained nickel into nickel sulphate annually, the study suggests.
A final investment decision and project schedule depends on board and regulatory approvals, as well as downstream battery supply chain integration and requirements, Vale said.
"This is a key validation for a project that offers both diversified sales and an accelerated entry point into North America's burgeoning electric vehicle supply chain," said Deshnee Naidoo, the executive vice president of Vale Base Metals.
"We look forward to continued discussions with potential partners, as well as with the Government of Quebec and the Government of Canada, to bring this strategic project to fruition."
In Canada, Vale currently has operations in:
- Sudbury, Ontario
- Toronto, Ontario
- Port Colborne, Ontario
- Thompson, Manitoba
- St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
- Voisey's Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador
- Long-Harbour, Newfoundland and Labrador
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.