Blackstone Minerals Ltd (ASX: BSX / OTCQX: BLSTF / FRA: B9S) is focused on building an integrated upstream and downstream battery metals processing business in Vietnam that produces Nickel:Cobalt:Manganese Precursor products for Asia’s growing Lithium-ion battery industry.

The Company’s Ta Khoa Project is located 160km west of Hanoi in the Son La Province and includes an existing modern nickel mine built to Australian standards, which is currently being used to process nickel ore delivered by the underground bulk sample program. The nickel mine successfully operated as a mechanised underground nickel mine from 2013 to 2016.
In February 2022, Blackstone completed a Pre-Feasibility Study for the upstream project (exploration, mines, and concentrator) and presented this on an integrated basis with the proposed downstream (refinery) development. Pilot Plant testing and Definitive Feasibility Studies are underway and will continue to technically de-risk the Project.

The Company’s Green Nickel™ strategy is built on six foundational elements:

Nickel Sulfide Orebodies: In comparison to other nickel ores such as laterites, nickel sulfide ore requires minimal processing input. It is specifically suitable for upgrading through mineral beneficiation processes such as froth flotation. A simpler downstream refinery flowsheet is another element of nickel sulfide given it generates its own acid and heat and does not require significant production inputs.
Pressure Oxidation Leach Flowsheet: Blackstone’s refinery will use Pressure Oxidisation Technology to provide the least energy intensive process. Relative to other nickel project technologies, such as High-Pressure Acid Leach and Pyrometallurgy, Blackstone’s approach is a cost effective and proven process for extraction.
Vertically Integrated Value Chain: Sourcing the raw material and building processing facilities in Vietnam to produce a final Precursor product for Asia’s growing Lithium-ion battery and Electric Vehicle industries results in a product which has traveled a far shorter distance by the time it reaches the customer. The environmental footprint is therefore reduced.
Renewable Power: Blackstone aims to develop a project that works towards net zero-carbon emissions. A key method in our strategy is to utilise nearby hydroelectric power sources. Our current operations source power from the biggest hydropower plant in Southeast Asia: Son La Hydro Electric Dam.
Fossil Fuel Replacement: Wherever practicable, Blackstone will identify opportunities for fossil fuel replacement. As evidenced in our Life Cycle Assessment results, the electrification of vehicles onsite to replace diesel transport options offers a tangible reduction in the emissions associated with our final product. Further, Blackstone intends to conduct a green hydrogen study to understand the opportunities for using a hydrogen fleet. Local fabrication and goods, where possible, in addition to the considered design of the sites, will allow for a reduction in the use of transport required.
Corporate Commitment to ESG: The final element of our Green Nickel™ strategy is seen through our overall activities and commitments to ESG as a business imperative, where operating our business ethically and establishing good governance at all levels is our highest priority. In the past year, we’ve placed a focus on putting our values into action to ensure practical application when establishing our processes and practices across our operations.