Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Mineral processing is the process of separating commercially valuable minerals from their ores. The first step is called comminution, which involves reducing solid materials from one average particle size to a smaller average particle size, typically through crushing or grinding. The next step is either Pyrometallurgy (the use of heat) or Hydrometallurgy (the use of acid) to separate the valuable metals from the ore. A novel technology using living bacteria to separate metals from ore is in development. One example is Viridian Biometals, which spun out of Impossible Metals.

It has been demonstrated that existing pyrometallurgy and/or hydrometallurgy processes can be used to process nodules. Typically, existing mineral processing plants require modifications to extract multiple metals from the nodules.

Impossible Metals plans to outsource the mineral processing of the nodules. We will pay a fee for each ton of nodules that are refined into high-purity nickel, cobalt, copper, manganese, and possibly rare earth elements. We see three phases:

1. Create a strategic stockpile of nodules in the US to stimulate processing investments.
2. Upgrade existing nickel processing facilities in friendly nations, such as Japan, Australia, and Canada, to process nodules. Efficiency is likely to be around 75%.
3. Build bespoke nodule processing facilities in the US and friendly nations, such as Canada. Efficiency is likely to be around 95%.

The Japanese company Pacific Metals (PAMCO) has processed over 2,000 tons of nodules. Other companies, such as SGS and Hatch, have also developed flow sheets.  

Ideally, these facilities will be collocated with deep-water ports, avoiding the need for land transfer of the nodules. The location would ideally have access to low-cost, really clean energy and be geographically close to the customers for the metals.