KELL PROCESS AT A GLANCE
DRIVING GREENER PLATINUM GROUP METAL (PGM) PRODUCTION
Kell Process Technology is a “green” hydrometallurgical alternative to traditional smelting that eliminates metal production’s most environmentally harmful phase.
Sedibelo holds a 50% interest in Kelltech Limited (Kelltech), which has contracted exclusive rights to use and sub-license the Kell Process Technology in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) (excluding Comoros and Mauritius). Kelltech completed a feasibility study for the Kell Processing Plant at the Pilanesberg Platinum Mine site.
The new Kell Processing Plant will process concentrates from all Sedibelo’s operations and potentially third-party mines in the area, which offers an additional revenue source.
THE KELL PROCESS OFFERS GREATER EXTRACTION EFFICIENCY WITH LOWER ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCES CO2 AND SO2 EMISSIONS1
REDUCED EMISSIONS FOR TRANSPORT OF CONCENTRATE AND PRODUCTS
THE KELL PROCESS OFFERS GREATER EXTRACTION EFFICIENCY WITH LOWER ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT1
LESS WATER CONSUMPTION
TRACEABILITY OF PRODUCTS
IN-COUNTRY BENEFICIATION WITHIN HOST COMMUNITIES
1. Estimates compared to the smelting process for metal concentrate. Figures presented based on study extracting PGM metals. Actual figures will vary based upon site-specific factors.
A NOVEL SOLUTION FOR EFFICIENT METALS RECOVERY WITH LOW ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
THE KELL PROCESS DEALS WITH THE PGM AND BASE METALS (BM) MINERALIZATION IN THE FOLLOWING MANNER:
- The pressure oxidation (POX) stage dissolves the base metal sulphides that are fully and partially liberated. PGM minerals that are associated with the BM sulphides are liberated from the BM sulphides. PGM minerals are generally <5 μm.
- The thermal treatment stage renders PGM minerals soluble in Cl media. It also provides further secondary liberation to poorly liberated BM sulphides that did not respond to POX.
Kell can thus respond to variations in PGM and BM mineralization and liberation across an orebody, to maintain high PGM recoveries.
COMPARISON OF KELL PROCESS TECHNOLOGY TO TRADITIONAL SMELTING
PRODUCTION BENEFITS OF KELL PROCESS TECHNOLOGY
HIGHER METAL RECOVERIES
LOWER CAPITAL AND OPERATING COSTS
LOWER ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION
LESS WATER INTENSIVE
MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY
ELIMINATES CHROME PENALTIES
