Development of a Sustainable and Carbon-Neutral Process for Producing Nickel and Cobalt Sulfates from Asbestos-Containing Mining Residues in Val-Des-Sources and Thetford Mines

PROJECT COST:

746 165 $

PRIMA CONTRIBUTION:

500 000 $

PROJECT DETAILS:

Exterra is developing a process to produce nickel sulfate and cobalt sulfate for electric vehicle batteries. This process also captures CO₂ by converting magnesium from asbestos-containing mining residues into carbonate. Additionally, silicate residues, magnetic concentrates, and carbon credits will be valorized to generate revenue, while asbestos fibers are completely neutralized. Exterra has secured several million tonnes of asbestos-containing mine tailings in the Thetford Mines and Val-Des-Sources regions to extract and transform the nickel and cobalt essential for the energy transition.

The proposed project is essential to advance the following developments:

Optimization of a process for leaching and precipitating mixed nickel-cobalt hydroxides (MHP) from asbestos-containing residues using environmentally friendly leachates.
Development of a green chemistry-based process to produce battery-grade nickel and cobalt sulfates from MHP, including leaching, separation, sulfate production, and reagent regeneration steps.

As part of global decarbonization efforts, Exterra aims to become the first carbon-neutral and environmentally responsible producer of nickel and cobalt sulfates from mining residues. Located near to the Energy Transition Valley hub, this project will promote the creation of secondary Ni/Co value chains and establish the first link in Quebec’s supply chain for green electric vehicle battery sulfates. The project will also contribute to the remediation of former mining sites and create approximately 100 jobs in the region. Additionally, it will provide advanced training for two master’s students at Université Laval.