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Indonesia Hpal Neo Energy Project

factory
Nov 11, 2024
Article Source Logoconstruction review
construction review

What happens to the minerals or ore after being extracted in mines? The simple answer is that they go through a process to separate elements from ores. High Pressure Acid Leach, or HPAL is a procedure that extracts precious metals from mined solids.

At last, Indonesia is finally dipping its toes into this smelter technology to process nickel ore and turn it into mixed hydroxide precipitate. MHP is a precursor material for batteries of electric vehicles.

This HPAL Neo Energy construction project will introduce Indonesia to a High-Pressure Acid Leaching smelter that utilizes absolute renewable energy. The plant’s projected production capacity is 120,000 metric tons of MHP or mixed hydroxide precipitate for the province of Central Sulawesi per year.

High-Pressure Acid Leaching (HPAL) Neo Energy Project (Photo credits: https://indonesiaminer.com/)

This is part of the massive 16 strategic projects that include five nickel processing facilities in the province of Sulawesi, worth almost US$40 billion. It also includes the US$11.83 billion offshore gas project by Eni, an Italian energy group, in the Makassar Strait, which is in between the islands of Sulawesi and Borneo.

Former Indonesian President Joko Widodo had been pushing to leverage the country’s nickel production and reserves, which are the largest in the world, to attract investment from other countries. Foreign stakes will definitely boost Indonesia’s position in EV battery production’s supply chain globally.

Fortunately, the current president, Prabowo Subianto, who took over the position in October, has expressed his support for continuing the former’s goal.

On September 14, 2024, PT Anugrah Neo Energy Materials (ANEM) facilitated the groundbreaking ceremony of the Indonesia HPAL Project. No less than the Central Sulawesi Governor Rudy Mastura attended the event.

Groundbreaking of HPAL Neo Energy Project (Photo credits: https://neoenergy.co.id/)

The honorable official shared that the presence of the industrial area in Morowali is a giant leap forward for the region in terms of sustainable industrial development. He further added that such all-important momentum has a major impact on the region’s economy and industry as a nation.

Other notable guests in the ceremony include the following:

Minister Hatarto shared that the government will pour its support into the project by expediting any required permits, including those needed to secure financing and providing help with land clearing. He further added that the HPAL Smelter nickel processing could be a huge help to the government’s priority programs in the same energy and downstream industry, as well as food security.

Despite HPAL being a proven technology, Indonesia used to be on the fence about trying it before. This is because it requires a massive investment and an equally large media for debris disposal. In addition, most HPAL facilities in the world use coal, and the technology releases up to three times the amount of greenhouse gases compared to those emitted by other nickel production that utilizes high-grade sulfide deposits.

With the sure-shot progress that will unfold due to the highly anticipated HPAL facility, the governor is aware of everyone’s environmental concerns. He guarantees there is nothing to worry about. Every venture put out in the facility will be for the betterment and welfare of the area and the people in terms of sustainable energy, environment protection, and economic growth.

Owner/Investor: Anugrah Neo Energy Materials (Indonesia)

Strategic Partner: Gotion Indonesia Materials (China)

Facility Contractor: Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt Co. (China)

Project Name: High-Pressure Acid Leaching (HPAL) Neo Energy Project

Project Type: High-Pressure Acid Leaching (HPAL) plant

Location: Neo Energy Morowali Industrial Estate (NEMIE)

Value: IDR 636.9 Trillion or US$39.58 Billion (Overall total)

Construction Start: Q3 2024

Construction End: Q3 2026

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When businesses are unsure about where economic policy is headed, they are more likely to put major spending projects on hold and slow hiring, Bloom said. And when unsure, consumers typically take a more cautious approach to spending. "April 2 could reduce uncertainty if this is a once and final announcement on tariffs," Bloom said. "But I suspect it will be one of a series on ongoing announcements." Trump "has been unequivocally clear for decades about the need to restore American greatness," said White House spokesman Kush Desai. "America cannot just be an assembler of foreign-made parts — we must become a manufacturing powerhouse that dominates every step of the supply chain of industries that are critical for our national security and economic interests." Randy Carr, CEO of World Emblem, said he expects the products he makes in Mexico and Canada will face a 25% tariff as soon as Wednesday. The company has already notified customers that it will raise prices 8%. World Emblem makes badges, patches and labels for companies, universities and law enforcement agencies. In February, Carr put about $9 million in investment on hold, most of which he planned to spend on artificial intelligence and online commerce. He has started to spend some of that money but is doing so more slowly than he would prefer. "We don't know if we'll need the money for tariffs," he said. "Who knows what will happen on Wednesday." Already in place are duties on cars, steel, aluminum and all imports from China. Surveys have found widespread uncertainty among manufacturing firms and even oil company executives, who say that higher costs for steel pipe will cut into their profits. Emerald Packaging, which makes packaging for produce and whose clients include Walmart and Kroger, is holding back on investment for now, given the uncertainty. CEO Kevin Kelly said the Union City, California-based company learned a big lesson during the height of the pandemic. It started 2021 with $7 million in cash but depleted its reserves by year-end because of the costs of navigating supply chain snarls. "We're not spending any money right now," he said. "We're trying to build cash ... because we'll need a cushion." One reason the cloudy outlook surrounding tariffs is likely to remain for months is that Trump wants to maintain some uncertainty about his next steps as a negotiating strategy, Shaw said. "Intentional ambiguity is a key component" of his approach to trade talks, Shaw said. Those negotiations will likely start after reciprocal duties are announced and could take months to resolve. At the same time, Trump is due to receive a series of reports this week on other countries' trade policies, including tariffs but also the subsidies, currency manipulation and tax policies that Trump officials say can distort trade. Those reports could prompt further steps. And then there is Trump's confessed love of tariffs and his willingness to use them for a variety of policy goals, including raising revenue, forcing action on fentanyl trafficking and bringing back manufacturing. The White House has also said it will slap 25% tariffs on any country that imports oil from Venezuela, though that also includes the United States. "Given that tariffs seem to be an answer for every problem, who knows what might happen next and what will lead to yet another ad hoc round of tariffs?'' said Marc Busch, professor of international business diplomacy at Georgetown University. A big question for the economy is how long this might last. Matthew Luzzetti, an economist at Deutsche Bank, said that even if Wednesday's announcement were the final word on tariffs, the uncertainty around the president's actions so far could drag down growth by about 1% for several quarters. "If that uncertainty were to extend further, or remain elevated for longer, that would only amplify the effects," Luzzetti said. Neil Bradley, chief policy officer at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said that even with more certainty, adding tariffs will harm the economy. "To the extent that April 2 provides clarity, then you can begin to make adjustments and plans," Bradley said. "But having certainty about economically harmful policies is not a positive."
factory
02 April 2025
Tesla Sales Drop 13% In First Quarter As Elon Musk Backlash, Aging Models Hurt Demand
manufacturing net
Tesla Sales Drop 13% In First Quarter As Elon Musk Backlash, Aging Models Hurt DemandNEW YORK (AP) — Tesla sales declined 13% in the first three months of the year, another sign that Elon Musk's once high-flying electric car company is struggling to attract buyers. The double-digit drop is likely due to a combination of factors, including its aging lineup, competition from rivals and a backlash from Musk's embrace of right wing politics. It also is a warning that the company's first-quarter earnings report later this month could disappoint investors. Tesla reported deliveries of 336,681 globally in the January to March quarter. The figure was down from sales of 387,000 in the same period a year ago. The decline came despite deep discounts, zero financing and other incentives. Analysts polled by FactSet expected much higher deliveries of 408,000. Dan Ives of Wedbush said in a note to clients that Tesla is seeing soft demand in the United States and China, as well as facing pressure in Europe. "The brand crisis issues are clearly having a negative impact on Tesla...there is no debate," he said. Ives said that Wall Street and analysts alike knew that the first-quarter figures were likely to be bad, but that it was even worse than expected. "We are not going to look at these numbers with rose-colored glasses...they were a disaster on every metric," he said. Tesla's stock has plunged by roughly half since hitting a mid-December record as expectations of a lighter regulatory touch and big profits with Donald Trump as president were replaced by fear that the boycott of Musk's cars and other problems could hit the company hard. Analysts are still not sure exactly how much the fall in sales is due to the protests or other factors. Electric car sales have been sluggish in general, and Tesla in particular is suffering as car buyers hold off from buying its bestselling Model Y because of plans for an updated version later this year. The Austin, Texas electric vehicle maker has also lost market share to rivals in recent months as their offerings improve, including those of BYD. The Chinese EV giant unveiled in March a technology that allows it cars to charge up in just a few minutes. Shares of Tesla slipped nearly 6% in early trading on Wednesday.
factory
02 April 2025
Water Plant Workers Charged After Raw Sewage Leaks Into Creek
manufacturing net
Water Plant Workers Charged After Raw Sewage Leaks Into CreekSituated just northwest of Oklahoma City, the Bethany-Warr Acres Water Treatment Plant was recently the scene of a crime – that is, according to Oklahoma County District Attorney Vicki Behenna who has filed charges against two former employees. The water treatment plant handles three million gallons of raw sewage a day, and the County alleges that 55-year-old Anthony Menzie and 63-year-old Glenn Brentnell committed multiple felonies in willfully allowing waste to leak into a nearby creek. Most Read on IEN: According to reports, regulators responded to a complaint in 2022, where they discovered improperly treated and raw wastewater had been pooling near the plant and then flowing into nearby Bluff Creek. Witnesses pointed to the two suspects, and Menzie reportedly admitted to falsifying lab records in order to downplay fecal contamination levels – something he says he was instructed to do by Brentnell, the plant manager. A report in The Oklahoman points to ongoing problems with the facility between 2020 and 2022, including non-compliance as well as problems with the wastewater management system. These issues led to at least four notices to be issued to the facility.  The state’s Department of Environmental Quality alleges in court documents that, after an emergency order was issued, the agency learned that there were no personnel onsite at the facility and that the doors were locked. Shortly thereafter, in late 2022, Brentnell is said to have “abruptly retired” though the suit says he claimed "the issues in the … notices were minor."  A separate investigation by a public trust disagreed, instead finding plant equipment that was neglected and in a state of disrepair. They suggest it was these issues that led to the discharge of wastewater into Bluff Creek and subsequent coverup. While local authorities hope to see Menzie and Brentnell face the music, they also stress that the problems are being addressed.  Regulators say the situation at the plant has improved, and the facility is on its way to getting back in compliance. Click here to subscribe to our daily newsletter featuring breaking manufacturing industry news. WEBVTTX-TIMESTAMP-MAP=LOCAL:00:00:00.000,MPEGTS:000:00.159 --> 00:05.519Situated just northwest of Oklahoma City, theBethany War Acres water treatment plant was00:05.519 --> 00:07.519recently the scene of a crime.00:08.029 --> 00:11.979That is according to Oklahoma County DistrictAttorney Vicky Behina,00:12.229 --> 00:15.270who has filed charges against two formeremployees.00:15.390 --> 00:19.219The water treatment plant handles 3 milliongallons of raw sewage a day,00:19.469 --> 00:25.899and the county alleges that 55-year-old AnthonyMenzie and 63-year-old Glenn Brentnell00:25.899 --> 00:31.559committed multiple felonies in willfullyallowing waste to leak into a nearby creek.00:31.790 --> 00:34.400According to reports, regulators responded to acomplaint in.00:34.796 --> 00:40.91622, where they discovered improperly treatedand raw wastewater had been pooling near the00:40.916 --> 00:46.476plant and then flowing into nearby Bluff Creek.Witnesses pointed to the two suspects and00:46.476 --> 00:51.265Menzie reportedly admitted to falsifying labrecords in order to downplay fecal00:51.265 --> 00:55.566contamination levels, something he says he wasinstructed to do by Brent Nell,00:55.826 --> 00:59.276the plant manager.A report in the Oklahoman points to ongoing00:59.276 --> 01:02.872problems with the facility between 20.In 2022,01:03.361 --> 01:07.832including noncompliance as well as problemswith the wastewater management system.01:08.001 --> 01:11.671These issues led to at least 4 notices to beissued to the facility.01:11.842 --> 01:15.961The state's Department of Environmental Qualityalleges in court documents that after an01:15.961 --> 01:20.882emergency order was issued, the agency learnedthat there were no personnel on site at the01:20.882 --> 01:23.882facility and that the doors were locked.Shortly thereafter,01:23.961 --> 01:27.882in late 2022, Bretnell is said to have abruptlyretired.01:28.150 --> 01:31.970Though the suit says he claimed the issues inthe notices were minor,01:32.089 --> 01:35.580a separate investigation by a public trustdisagreed.01:35.699 --> 01:40.250They suggest it was these issues that led tothe discharge of waste water into Bluff Creek01:40.250 --> 01:41.690and the subsequent cover up.01:41.940 --> 01:44.980While local authorities hope to see Menzie andBrentnell face the music,01:45.059 --> 01:47.769they also stress that the problems are beingaddressed.01:48.059 --> 01:53.059Regulators say the situation at the plant hasimproved, and the facility is on its way to01:53.059 --> 01:55.029getting back in compliance.01:55.379 --> 01:57.569I'm Anna Wells, and this is Manufacturing now.
factory
02 April 2025
Texas Instruments Cuts Jobs After Getting $1.6B In Chips Funding
manufacturing net
Texas Instruments Cuts Jobs After Getting $1.6B In Chips FundingTexas Instruments (TI) is laying off workers in Utah despite recently receiving $1.6 billion in federal funding meant to help with the construction of three new semiconductor plants currently under construction in Texas and Utah. According to the Salt Lake Tribune, Texas Instruments laid off workers at its existing Lehi facility, which it acquired from Micron Technology in 2021. The company said the cuts are part of efficiently supporting its long-term operational plans. Most Read on IEN: TI did not specify how many workers were impacted by the cuts. But it did say it was well less than the 33% of the workforce criteria for a WARN Act notice. As the report points out, the Lehi facility employs 1,100 people. In December, TI announced the CHIPS Act funding agreement, including a 25% investment tax credit. "As the largest analog and embedded processing semiconductor manufacturer in the U.S., TI is uniquely positioned to provide dependable, low-cost 300mm semiconductor manufacturing capacity at scale," said TI CEO Haviv Ilan in a statement. "The increasing number of electronic devices in our lives depend on our foundational chips, and we appreciate the support from the U.S. government to make the semiconductor ecosystem stronger and more resilient." The funding is intended to support the company’s investments through 2029 for three large-scale 300mm wafer fabs in Sherman, Texas (SM1 and SM2), and Lehi, Utah (LFAB2), which broke ground in 2023. The cuts come after TI experienced a sales decline in the fourth quarter of 2024 and anticipated further declines in the first quarter of 2025. But despite sliding sales and job cuts, the company said it hasn’t changed its plans to build the new plant in Utah. Click here to subscribe to our daily newsletter featuring breaking manufacturing industry news.
factory
02 April 2025
Ace Celebrates 150 Years
manufacturing net
Ace Celebrates 150 YearsAjax/CECO/Erie Press (ACE) celebrated 150 years of operations in the forging and metal-forming equipment industry, driven by strategic mergers and technological advancements. A major catalyst for this success has been the consolidation of three industry pioneers, bringing together over 400 years of combined expertise and integrating advanced maintenance and repair programs, automation and control systems and comprehensive training initiatives. The origins of ACE date back to 1875, when Ajax Manufacturing established its presence in the forging industry. Over time, the company built a reputation for producing forging hammers, presses and upsetters. In 2005, Ajax Manufacturing acquired Chambersburg Engineering Company (CECO), a firm specializing in hydraulic and mechanical forging equipment since its founding in 1897. This acquisition strengthened Ajax Manufacturing’s capabilities in hammer and press technology. The next significant expansion occurred in 2019 when Erie Press Systems was acquired by Ajax-CECO. Founded in 1895, Erie Press specializes in hydraulic and mechanical press technology, serving sectors such as aerospace and automotive manufacturing. Over the past century and a half, advancements in equipment, automation and maintenance practices have enabled manufacturers to improve efficiency, extend machine lifespan and enhance workplace safety.Ajax/CECO/Erie Press Erie Press focuses on stretch forming, a metal shaping process that involves stretching materials like steel and aluminum beyond their yield point over shaped dies. This technique ensures smooth, precise contours while enhancing strength and minimizing the need for post-processing. Initially developed for aircraft manufacturing, stretch forming has become essential in the automotive, aerospace and construction industries. It enables the efficient production of complex parts with minimal force, reducing costs and material waste while improving durability and surface finish. The company is now known as Ajax/CECO/Erie Press (ACE). ACE operates under the umbrella of Park-Ohio Holdings Corp., an industrial holding company headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. Park-Ohio provides the financial strength and global reach that support ACE’s continuous growth and innovation. Through this partnership, ACE has expanded its engineering capabilities, enhanced its manufacturing operations and provided customer support across industries worldwide.  ACE offers a broad spectrum of solutions tailored to meet the needs of modern manufacturing. Its portfolio includes forging hammers, mechanical and hydraulic presses, upsetters, ring rolling mills and hydroforming presses, as well as other specialized equipment. These machines are integral to industries such as aerospace, automotive, energy, defense and heavy machinery production.  Although the specific machines may differ, from forging hammers to hydraulic presses, the principles behind their effective operation remain the same. Certain key practices help ensure that equipment performs efficiently, remains operational for longer periods and meets safety standards. Across all types of forging and metal forming equipment, ACE emphasizes five core areas: preventive maintenance, repair and spare parts programs, equipment rebuilding and remanufacturing, automation upgrades and advanced human-machine interfaces (HMIs).  ACE’s portfolio includes upsetters, forging hammers and hydroforming presses, as well as other specialized equipment.Ajax/CECO/Erie Press These elements contribute to the longevity and efficiency of industrial machinery by reducing unexpected failures, improving process automation and enhancing operator control. Additionally, structured training programs help manufacturers address workforce challenges by ensuring that operators and maintenance teams have the necessary knowledge to manage and maintain their equipment effectively. As the industry continues to evolve, the value of proven knowledge and well-engineered forging and metal forming solutions remains essential for manufacturers striving to maintain quality and competitiveness.
factory
02 April 2025
German Company Wants To Replace Basketball'S Wood Courts With Glass
manufacturing net
German Company Wants To Replace Basketball'S Wood Courts With GlassChris Thornton loves talking about playing basketball on the most fragile-sounding of surfaces: glass. Thornton is managing director of the Americas division of ASB GlassFloor, a German company building floors made of fused-together layers of safety glass covering LED panels. The courts are a far more dynamic visual feast, with customized playing lines, logos, colors, animated graphics and advertisements for multiple sports. In basketball, where wood is still king, Thornton sees growth potential for glass courts — already showing up in the NBA and internationally — as a tech-driven alternative to the sport's long-running hardwood foundation. "I use this analogy a lot: We're at the initial stages of the iPhone being launched," Thornton said. "Way back when Apple did that, the design of the hardware has changed, but more importantly the original iPhone was just a phone, a text device and music player. Now you're running your entire life and communicating to the world on it. I see this in the same regard." It seems strange at first blush — big, strong athletes jumping and running across a court of glass while "pounding the rock" and even diving on the floor. That is a future ASB GlassFloor company envisions, citing technology improvements allowing for a safe and viable surface featuring stunning visuals that can be changed with a few swipes and taps of a smartphone or tablet app. Thornton said the glass surface has give and flexibility exceeding that of wood, aided by a spring-action design to the aluminum and steel framing beneath the LED paneling. There's also a ceramic coating with dots etched into the glass, offering grip, and a consistent surface without "dead spots" or other quirks that can occur with wood courts. That combination has the company touting enhanced safety potential for athletes, even in more easily spotting sweat to wipe up. "There's a stigma about the glass: 'Oh my gosh, it's going to break, it's harder, people are going to break the glass, they're going to fall through it,'" Thornton said. "It's actually quite the opposite." The visuals are the bigger selling point. Arena managers could easily update a court's look instead of using space storing hardwood stacks for multiple designs and paying for labor to install or update them. Or coaches could set up their own practice regimens with on-court visual cues. And yes, a team could even opt for a hardwood-panel look in a nod to tradition. The trade-off? A bigger price tag than a wood counterpart. Thornton didn't specify an amount but pointed to potentially selling leases to the courts, saying the company has had "advanced" talks with college teams and leagues. At Connor Sports, a Michigan-based company that makes the hardwood courts for the men's and women's Final Four, technical director Jason Gasperich referenced that higher cost. He noted that roughly 750 of the 800 courts his company typically builds and sells per year might end up in elementary and high schools "where they just don't have the budget for that." Still, he also gave a tip of the cap to the technology. "Nonetheless, they're still super interesting, unique," Gasperich said. "And there's things you can do with digital that you can't do with a traditional wood floor." Glass LED courts are already in home arenas for Bayern Munich in Germany and Panathinaikos Athens in Greece. They've also been used in events by governing body FIBA. In the U.S., Kentucky used one in October for its "Big Blue Madness" event marking the ceremonial season start for Wildcats basketball. "I love everything about the versatility of this floor," men's coach Mark Pope said in video posted by ASB GlassFloor capturing reactions as players tested it out in Rupp Arena. "I don't know what I was expecting, but it squeaks like a real basketball court," women's player Cassidy Rowe said in the video. "It just functions like a normal basketball court, but it's showing our picture, which is crazy." The NBA offered a showcase look during the 2024 NBA All-Star weekend, holding its skills competition, 3-point contest, dunk contest and shooting matchup between Stephen Curry and Sabrina Ionescu on one in Indianapolis. By December, the company had set up a training facility in Orlando allowing NBA teams in town to play the Magic a chance to workout on the glass court and offer feedback. Thornton, who said the NBA has bought a minority stake into the company's Americas division, estimated more than 100 players and coaches have tested it so far. "As we integrate with the other data providers in both the NCAA and NBA, we are only going to get better and better with what improving what you can do on an ASB GlassFloor," he said. "The focus now up to today has been getting a surface that is comfortable for the athletes to play on, and we've done that."
factory
02 April 2025