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A buoyant
market:
electric vehicle batteries

Nickel Hydroxide Cake

The NHC

or the nickel derived from a responsible and ethical energy transition
The southern plant is now focused on the production of NHC. Composed of 37% nickel and 2-3% cobalt, this unrefined, intermediate product that is also easier and cheaper to produce, is the raw material for lithium-ion / nickel batteries used in the manufacture of electric vehicles. NHC is sought after by builders because it is cheaper to mine than crystallized sulphates or nickel briquettes (which include additional dissolution costs).
Goro Ressources - New Caledonia
The product is marketed under the Goro Resources New Caledonia brand.
NHC
MARKET

A sector in full growth

The market for electric vehicle batteries represents immense potential. Governments around the world have set ambitious goals to phase out vehicles with combustion engines. the new European regulations, which entered into force in 2020, impose on manufacturers requirements for significant reductions in CO2 emissions from new cars. This will further encourage the electrification of transportation means and have a continued positive impact on global demand for batteries.
In fact, the global demand for nickel for batteries continues to grow while the supply struggles to keep up. This difference causes a significant rise in prices and guarantees more than promising profitability for producers.
Opportunity

An opportunity for New Caledonia

Building on this situation but also on its experience and industrial robustness, Prony Resources New Caledonia can develop a competitive product for international markets while creating a center of excellence for batteries in New Caledonia.
With this opportunity, the territory grows into a prominent place on the world map of nickel and cobalt producers for electric vehicle batteries.
process

A highly competitive product thanks to a completely revised process

With the closure of the refinery in 2020 and the reorganization of production in favor of NHC, the industrial tool of Prony Resources has been transformed and is now characterized by a simpler process that is less dangerous for humans and the environment. By using much less chemicals, 40% of the major risks have been eliminated and the plant is less expensive to operate and maintain.
Thanks to these new parameters, the NHC therefore enjoys an excellent quality-price positioning. The South plant plans to produce 40,000 tons per year.
process

A highly competitive product thanks to a completely revised process

With the closure of the refinery in 2020 and the reorganization of production in favor of NHC, the industrial tool of Prony Resources has been transformed and is now characterized by a simpler process that is less dangerous for humans and the environment. By using much less chemicals, 40% of the major risks have been eliminated and the plant is less expensive to operate and maintain.
Thanks to these new parameters, the NHC therefore enjoys an excellent quality-price positioning. The South plant plans to produce 40,000 tons per year.