Ta Khoa Nickel Project Test Work Update

Blackstone Minerals Limited “Blackstone” or the “Company”) is pleased to provide an update on our ongoing metallurgical test work programmes for both the Ta Khoa Nickel Project (“TKN” or “Upstream Project”) and the Ta Khoa Refinery Project (“TKR” or “Downstream Project”) during their respective Definitive Feasibility Study (“DFS”) phases.

Figure 1: Cobalt solvent extraction

In October 2021, Blackstone announced the appointment of Tier 1 engineering, minerals processing and metallurgical consultants Wood and ALS to perform critical roles in the delivery of the TKR DFS. With the support of Wood’s expertise in hydrometallurgical flowsheet development and ALS’ expertise in metallurgical laboratory testing and continuous integrated flowsheet piloting, Blackstone is pleased to announce the following test work updates:

• Completion of bench test work program: The hydrometallurgical bench test work program successfully confirmed the improved DFS process flowsheet. The data collected during the bench test work program has been used to update the TKR plant design criteria.

• Design, procurement, and assembly of piloting equipment: Extensive work has been completed between Blackstone, Wood and ALS to develop a pilot campaign that is fit for purpose and aligns with the DFS flowsheet.

• Successful commissioning of piloting equipment: ALS has successfully assembled the TKR flowsheet and commissioned all unit operations from mixed hydroxide precipitate (“MHP”) re-leach through to the production of battery grade metal sulphates. The pressure oxidation (“POX”) leach flowsheet will be commissioned by end of August 2022.

• Successful operation of MHP to metal sulphate from third party MHP: Blackstone has successfully piloted the TKR flowsheet, confirming our ability to process third-party MHP to battery grade metal sulphates.

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