HCL inaugurates India’s first nickel production plant

Q.  Where has India’s first facility to produce niche metal of LME grade from primary resource been established on 17th August 2016?
- Published on 18 Aug 16

a. Dumka
b. Bokaro
c. Dhanbad
d. Ghatsila

ANSWER: Ghatsila
 
HCL or Hindustan Copper Limited has inaugurated the nickel cooper and acid recovery plant at Indian Copper complex in Jharkhand’s Ghatsila.
  • This is India’s first facility to produce nickel metal of LME grade from primary resource.
  • The Singbhum cooper belt has unique ore characteristics which comprise considerable amount of nickel; HCL has installed technology to increase nickel metal recovery.
  • Currently the capacity of the plant is 50 MT per annum given the current production from Surda mines.
  • Nickel output is expected to multiply by 8 times after completion of mine expansion projects at Ghatsila.
  • Annual demand for pure nickel is around 45,000 MT and its market in India depends on imports.
  • Copper is currently recovered from lead electrolyte as liberator cathode has only .50-90 percent copper content and liberator sludge with 50-60 percent copper content.
  • The project will replace the process of liberator cell operation with EMEW and APU technology in the refinery.
  • This method will utilise eco friendly technology and check pollution.
  • It will also eliminate the use of lead and reduce liquid effluent.
  • Some of its other benefits are that it will generate 75 percent less solid waste, utilise less energy and provide safe working environment and conserve natural resources.

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