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Kazakhstan's nickel processing technology is among the top three innovations in Beijing
Satbayev University scientists’ elaboration took 3rd place in the finals of one of the largest international innovation competitions, Dongsheng Cup in Beijing, held at Zhongguancun Technopark, China's leading Silicon Valley technology hub. More than 2,000 projects from dozens of countries took part in the competition, and only six teams reached the final.
Yerkin Bektai, a professor at Satbayev University and a member of UN expert group on resource management, represented Kazakhstan at the competition. The project is being implemented by “KV Kazakhstan” startup with the support of JSC “Science Foundation” and is aimed at commercializing the innovative technology for processing oxidized nickel ores.
The development is based on KVL technology (Kuvette Vat Leaching), a method of selective leaching of oxidized nickel ores, which make up more than 70% of the world's nickel reserves. The technology is applicable for extracting critical metals from ores and man-made mineral formations. These ores are complex raw materials used for production of stainless steel and batteries, while existing technologies require significant capital investments and high operating costs.
The elaborated technology makes it possible to reduce capital costs by up to 10 times, reduce operating costs by 2-3 times, and process hard-to-enrich oxidized nickel ores and various types of man-made mineral formations.
The project is of strategic importance for Kazakhstan, where about 200 million tons of oxidized nickel ores with a potential of up to 2 million tons of nickel are concentrated. According to the developers, the introduction of the technology can bring up to $20 billion to the country's economy over 15 years.
The technology is of interest to many countries: China, Indonesia, Turkey and others. The international jury experts noted the high technological novelty, practical applicability and environmental friendliness of the solution, as well as its readiness for industrial implementation. Within the framework of the competition, negotiations were held with Chinese investors and technology companies on scaling and technology implementation.
The achievement of the prize confirms the competitiveness of Kazakhstan's scientific and technological developments and strengthens the country's position in the global high-tech market.
