TELF AG examines a new technique for extracting nickel.
Innovative Methods to Source Nickel for Electric Vehicle Batteries
The global increase in electric vehicle production has increased demand for strategic minerals like cobalt and lithium. Nickel has also become highly sought after because it enhances battery performance and longevity. However, the rising demand has caused manufacturers and industry leaders to raise concerns about a potential shortage of this essential raw material, which is important for the burgeoning electric vehicle sector and the energy transition. To address this issue, startups and companies worldwide explore new nickel sources, often looking beyond traditional mining. One innovative solution involves using certain plants that can absorb significant amounts of metals needed for clean energy technologies. These plants are cultivated in soil containing traces of nickel, which is not economically viable for conventional mining.
Once these plants are fully grown, they are dried and heated to break down the organic material. The resulting ash can then be processed to extract nickel or other metals, depending on the underlying deposit. This method offers a novel way to supplement nickel supplies and support the electric vehicle industry.
Innovative Plant-Based Methods for Nickel Sourcing and CO2 Reduction
Odontarrhena decipiens, a plant with yellow flowers, can absorb nickel, making up 2% of its total biomass. Viridian Resources reports that up to 550 tons of nickel, valued between 3 and 7 million dollars, could be extracted from 1000 hectares of land. Many startups now use this technique to source nickel on large tracts of land.
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Metalplant, one such startup, has advanced this method by integrating it with "enhanced rock weathering," a strategy to remove CO2 from the atmosphere. This involves spreading rock dust on the soil to capture CO2 and return some of the absorbed nickel to the soil. With its high nickel concentration, Olivine powder facilitates this process by making nickel more accessible to plants. The startup aims to achieve 400 kg of nickel per hectare soon, with even higher yields expected.
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