Core Insights - EV Nickel Inc. has announced positive results from a pilot-scale bioleaching and downstream metals recovery test program at its W4 Nickel Project, indicating readiness to advance towards a full-scale bioleaching facility [1][5] Bioleaching Technology - Bioleaching is a cost-effective processing technology that eliminates the need for expensive smelting and reduces upfront capital costs and operating expenses by minimizing energy consumption and complex materials handling [2] - The process utilizes naturally occurring bacteria to extract nickel at ambient temperatures, resulting in significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional methods [3] Pilot Program Results - The pilot program achieved nickel extraction rates of up to 98.9% and cobalt extraction rates of up to 98.8% under semi-continuous conditions, with nearly complete extraction within four days [5][6] - The pilot circuit operated continuously for 11 days, followed by 5 days of batch operation, resulting in 90.1% nickel and 89.6% cobalt extraction by day six [7][10] Product Recovery and Purity - The program demonstrated over 99% recovery of nickel and cobalt as a mixed hydroxide precipitate (MHP) and successful precipitation of nickel sulfate with a purity of up to 98.2% [8][10] - Iron removal was effective at over 99%, with minimal losses of nickel and cobalt, and magnesium was recovered as a saleable by-product [8][10] Future Development Plans - Based on the pilot results, the company plans to optimize processes to improve oxygen transfer efficiency, increase pulp density, and refine the nickel sulfate crystallization process [11] - Preliminary design criteria for a bioleach circuit processing 800 tonnes per day of W4 nickel ore have been developed, laying the groundwork for future engineering and economic studies [10] Strategic Positioning - EV Nickel aims to support North American on-shoring initiatives by providing clean nickel from its projects, which are located near Timmins, a hub for critical minerals [12][13] - The company is committed to collaborating with environmentally responsible organizations and stakeholders to develop essential critical minerals for the electric vehicle market [14]