The Goro nickel-cobalt mine is a fully integrated mining operation involving an open-pit mine, a processing plant and a port facility operated by Prony Resouces in the Southern Province of New Caledonia. The hydrometallurgical processing plant uses HPAL technology to produce nickel oxide, nickel hydroxide, cobalt carbonate and nickel hydroxide cake.

HPAL campaigns are currently limited by alunite and hematite scaling being produced at a faster rate than expected in the plant design. The thickness of scales cannot be measured during HPAL operations and HPAL must be stopped regularly for scales removal.

This scaling challenge significantly impacts production as an autoclave is stopped every three months for scales removal.

A solution is needed to extend and optimise the duration of HPAL campaigns by:

• Reducing the scaling rate of the HPAL autoclave and/or
• Accurately measuring the scales thickness in operation

The solution must also fulfil the following requirements:

• No impact on HPAL performance and recovery
• Comply with current safety requirements
• No change of the ore feed or acids used

1. Submission Period
   Suppliers are invited to submit their short-form solution to the challenge by 10 February 2023 for evaluation by Austmine and Prony Resources.
2. Evaluation Period
   Shortlisted suppliers will be invited to a technical briefing, where each supplier will be able to gain more information about the challenge from Prony Resources. This will allow you to refine your proposed solution prior to the next stage.
3. Pitch Session
   This is the opportunity to ‘sell’ your solution and gain feedback from operational teams, presenting directly to the Prony Resources team.
4. Full Proposal Submission
   Following the Pitch Session, shortlisted suppliers are invited to submit their formal technical and economic proposals.
5. Winner Announced
   Prony Resources will select the best fit solution/s for the challenge. Unsuccessful submitters are notified in writing by Austmine.

Challenge Launch Webinar
24th January 2023

EOI Submission Deadline
10th February 2023

Technical Briefing
20th March 2023

Pitch Sessions
3rd April 2023

Final Proposal Deadline
28th April 2023

The Global Mining Challenge is coordinated by Austmine and supported by the Australian Government Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources. The program provides new supply and export opportunities for opportunities for Australian METS companies and guides participants through a process of delivering solutions, technologies, and services to major international mining customers.