Welp MagazineTaking care of the environment, the world’s largest producer of palladium and high-grade nickel and a major producer of platinum, cobalt, and copper, Nornickel continues to develop its production.
In particular, Nornickel’s management announces plans to increase production at its state-of-the-art nickel refinery in Finland. Nornickel Harjavalta is mainly powered by renewable energy and is a world-class refinery in the hydrometallurgical production of high-grade nickel with the largest portfolio of nickel products in Europe.
The plan to increase capacity is driven by growing demand in the European market for responsibly produced battery raw materials with one of the lowest carbon emissions in the industry.
Environmental protection as a priority
This move by Nornickel is a part of the program aimed at solving environmental problems and is in line with the Group’s strategy to ensure a global shift to a greener economy while maintaining the sustainability of the company.
Joni Hautojärvi, Managing Director at Nornickel Harjavalta, commented: “This expansion will further strengthen Harjavalta refinery’s position as one of the most sustainable producers of nickel and cobalt in the EV battery industry. Our unique product portfolio, combined with the development of EV battery metal recycling, makes NN Harjavalta a leading European supplier of the critical metals to the growing battery sector in Europe”.
Nickel production at Nornickel Harjavalta in the first phase of the expansion will increase from the current 65 ktpa to 75 ktpa in 2023, in the second phase – to more than 100 ktpa by early 2026.
The Nornickel plant meets the most stringent EU requirements in the field of sustainable development. To reduce pollution, it recycles over 90% of its waste, delivering products with one of the lowest carbon footprints in the industry to the market.
NN Harjavalta, production, and environmental activities
NN Harjavalta produces nickel in the form of cathodes, briquettes, crystallized salts and solutions, cobalt in crystallized sulfate, and solutions. The production process is based on sulphuric acid leaching of intermediate nickel products. This modern, high-tech approach enables over 98% extraction rate and is a perfect fit for battery-grade nickel and cobalt production.
Nornickel monitors its impact on the environment rigorously and thus preserves the environment.
NN Harjavalta has been an active participant in the studies of the Finnish Forest Research Institute (Metla) for several decades.
Nornickel is an active member of the European Battery Alliance and Responsible Sourcing Blockchain Network.
