Metallurgical Testing Centre
COB has committed to building a metallurgical testing centre in Broken Hill. This will include a Demonstration Plant in support of the Broken Hill Cobalt Project (BHCP). The plant will provide reliable testwork data for incorporation into the upcoming Feasibility Study in 2021 and will be focussed on testing the COB patented minerals processing technology to produce cobalt sulphate from pyrite samples. Design, engineering and procurement is now well underway.
Initially, COB will be using the existing 90 tonnes of samples stored from previous drilling campaigns to commission the plant. This step is expected to be completed in mid 2020. COB then intends to treat up to 4,000 tonnes of sample through the plant. The plant will then be operated on a continuous basis to produce cobalt sulphate and elemental sulphur for marketing and offtake negotiations.
Our global partners have indicated that 150–300 kg of cobalt sulphate is required to make ‘test batteries’ for verification of new chemical suppliers. COB aims to produce a minimum of 2 tonnes of cobalt sulphate.
In addition to testing samples for the BHCP, COB will make the facilities available for evaluation of the patented minerals technology for application to other projects. This work will be conducted under the COB Partnerships framework.
Pilot Plant Update - China Visit
COB's Chief China Representative, Joe Lam, recently completed a progress inspection visit for each key leach reactors (autoclave) and filter equipment. The estimated arrival date of these equipment items is Q1 2020.