Nickel production facility inaugurated in Ghatsila by Hindustan Copper Limited

Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) on 10 August 2016 inaugurated the Nickel, Copper and Acid Recovery Plant of Hindustan Copper Limited at Indian Copper Complex, Ghatsila in Jharkhand.

This is the first facility in India to produce Nickel metal of LME grade from primary resource.

Key features of the facility
• This project will utilize an eco-friendly technology and will check pollution by eliminating the use of lead.
• It will have reduced liquid effluent, generate 75 percent less solid waste, utilize less energy, provide safe working environment and utilize and conserve natural resources.
• At present the capacity of the plant is 50 MT per annum, considering the current production rate from the Surda mines.
• The Nickel output is expected to increase by eight times after the completion of mine expansion projects located at Ghatsila.

Background
• The annual demand for pure Nickel in India is around 45000 MT and its market in the country is totally dependent on import.
• Currently, Copper is recovered from bleed electrolyte as liberator cathode having only 50-90 percent Copper content, and liberator sludge with 50-60 percent Copper content.
• Interestingly, the process consumes around 30 MT LME-A grade Copper starter sheet per annum.
• The proposed project will replace the age-old process of liberator cell operation with EMEW & APU technology in the Refinery.