This Pilot Plant Study Report outlines the conclusions from the pilot test campaign and provides insights on the types of ores and processes suitable for the FEED study.
Report extract
The pilot plant test work has been completed at Calix’s Bacchus Marsh R&D facility.
The pilot plant test results showed good metallisation rates across a range of process conditions with some clear identifiable trends that allow for further development of reactor models and optimisation of process parameters for the pilot plant.
The upgrades to the plant have proven successful in returning elutriated powder back into the reactor, with collection efficiencies significantly increased over the initial proof of concept trials run in 2022. Certain process conditions however did demonstrate reduced collection efficiencies. Additional work is being undertaken to further understand the retention of material in the system and test mitigation measures.
Progress has been made towards assessing the downstream processing of ZESTYDRI with initial trials being conducted at Swinburne University of Technology (SUT) and samples being sent to Köppern in Germany for briquetting test work.
Site selection work has been progressed further into specific site details, with the ultimate decision to be driven by commercial arrangements with upstream or downstream partners. From a technical and techno-economic perspective, sites in South Australia offer several advantages with regard to access to utilities and ability to use a higher proportion of green electricity.
Emissions reduction and techno-economics have been developed further towards completion of the FEED study. This milestone report includes summaries of comparisons between ZESTY and other technologies.