Industries — Mining
Nickel & Cobalt
Nickel and cobalt are frequently co-produced — from laterite ores through HPAL, or as by-products of copper refining. Both routes are acid-intensive, and sulphur and sulphuric acid sit at the heart of the consumables bill.
The HPAL Laterite Route
Laterite ore is fed into a pressure acid leach autoclave operating at roughly 250 °C and 40 bar, dissolving nickel and cobalt into sulphate solution while iron and aluminium are rejected in neutralisation. A mixed sulphide precipitate (MSP) is produced, then split into separate nickel and cobalt product streams for downstream refining.
Sulphur and sulphuric acid dominate the consumables bill. Both sit squarely within Olfa's existing bulk inputs capability.
What Olfa Supplies
Acid plant & leach
Elemental sulphur (prill, slate or molten) for captive acid plants.
Merchant sulphuric acid when the plant is short.
Vanadium pentoxide catalyst for acid plant converters.
Neutralisation
Limestone (ground or crushed), quicklime, magnesium oxide, soda ash for pH staging.
Precipitation & refining
Sodium hydrosulphide (NaHS), sodium sulphide, caustic soda, hydrogen peroxide for cobalt purification steps.
A Partnership at Any Scale
Whether you're commissioning a new operation or strengthening an existing supply chain, Olfa works as an integral partner from first enquiry through long-term supply. We add value through superior sourcing, reliable logistics and full compliance documentation — scaled to your stage, your volumes, and your operational priorities.