Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. (Dallas, Tex.; www.jacobs.com) been awarded an engineering services contract from BHP for a new nickel sulfate facility located at the company’s Kwinana Nickel Refinery in Western Australia. The new facility is being designed to produce 100,000 metric tons per year (m.t./yr) of nickel sulfate hexahydrate, with the option to increase processing capacity to 200,000 m.t./yr. At full capacity, the plant will process 44,000 m.t. of nickel powder and be the world’s largest nickel sulfate facility. The nickel sulfate produced at the facility will be used in batteries.
“Jacobs 50-year relationship with BHP coupled with our 40-year history developing nickel and cobalt mining projects ideally positions us to support the company’s new nickel sulphate facility,” said Jacobs Mining, Minerals and Technology Senior Vice President and General Manager Andrew Berryman. “Our unique capabilities in this sector will help ensure BHP’s nickel sulphate facility is a success in supporting the battery market.”
In addition to supporting the development of the new nickel sulphate facility, Jacobs is delivering engineering and consulting services to BHP across its portfolio of assets, including the South Flank Iron Ore Mine development project in Western Australia, which is subject to board approval.