Metso is launching a new plant to manufacture precursor cathode active material for lithium-ion batteries.
As a Metso pCAM plant, the facility centres around an energy-efficient pCAM reactor, PSI 1000 particle size analyser and pCAM process control.
The plant aims to integrate advanced technology and decades of know-how to ensure an energy-efficient and sustainable production process.
“The growing use of high-performance lithium-ion batteries with enhanced energy density, fast charging capabilities and improved safety features is driving the demand for high-quality and sustainable precursor materials,” Metso hydrometallurgy vice president Mikko Rantaharju said.
“As a strong and reliable partner for the development of lithium hydroxide and other battery minerals projects, we are the first Western supplier able to also deliver an optimised pCAM plant for the manufacturing of premium precursor cathode active material.”
For active cathode precursor manufacturing, Metso’s offering ranges from optimised raw materials selection to design and delivery of the pCAM plant and related services.
The production process consists of metal sulphate feed preparation, co-precipitation of mixed metal hydroxide, and filtration.
To support the customers in optimised raw material selection and process design, Metso uses its own in-house pCAM process development, testing and pilot facilities.
The Metso pCAM plants are Planet Positive-certified, ensuring low energy and water consumption.
“Based on life cycle impact assessment, we found that the Metso pCAM process features remarkable sustainability benefits – it reduced water consumption by 52 per cent and CO2 emissions by 31 per cent. Also, power usage decreased by 27 per cent,” Rantaharju said.
Supported by its Planet Positive offering, Metso provides sustainable technology, equipment and services for all ore types, including the critical minerals required for a responsible energy transition.
Currently, Metso is supporting several battery minerals projects that are in the study, piloting, engineering or delivery phases.
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