Products
Nickel
Nickel is the world’s fifth most common element and was formed billions of years ago in supernova
explosions.
Properties
Nickel is a heavy, silver-colored metal. Its principal value is its resistance to corrosion and oxidation, and
excellent strength and toughness at high temperatures. Nickel’s ability to combine with a wide range of
metals places it at the forefront of metallurgy, the art and science of extracting metals from their ores and
modifying them for use.
Main Uses
Nickel is used in hundreds of thousands of products, the majority of which are encountered in our
everyday lives. Nickel’s main application is the production of stainless steel, which accounts for
approximately two-thirds of worldwide nickel consumption. Stainless steel that contains nickel is
extremely strong, resistant to corrosion, long lasting, maintenance-free, and flexible enough to be
formed into different shapes. Applications of stainless steel, using nickel, are found in virtually all aspects
of modern life including: construction, medical instruments and implants, aviation and aerospace,
cutlery and other household goods and appliances, coins, rechargeable batteries, portable computers,
communications technology, and many other things.
Once fully operational, Ambatovy will produce 60,000 tonnes per year, which represents about 4% of the
current global supply.
Cobalt
Cobalt has many of the same properties as nickel including resistance to high temperatures and wear
and tear.
Properties
Cobalt is a shiny, gray, brittle metal that looks much like iron and nickel. It is not a rare metal, however, its
low concentration means that it is produced as a by-product of another metal and is normally associated
with copper or nickel ores.
Main Uses
For centuries, cobalt has been used to add vivid blues to glass, glazes, and pottery. It is now used in
hundreds of chemical, metallurgical, and industrial products including high-temperature, wear-resistant
super alloys, catalysts, pigments, and electronics (particularly rechargeable batteries). Cobalt also has
magnetic properties useful in certain recording devices, and for making metal alloys for electric motors
and generators.
Once at full production, Ambatovy will produce 5,600 tonnes per year, representing approximately 9% of
the current global supply.
Ammonium Sulphate
Ammonium sulphate is an agricultural fertilizer that is a by-product of the hydrometallurgical process used
by Ambatovy.
Main Uses
Ammonium sulphate is an inorganic, highly water-soluble salt. It lowers soil pH and provides two major
plant nutrients: nitrogen and sulphur. While ammonium sulphate is an excellent crop fertilizer, it should
be used as part of a complete agronomic improvement plan. For maximum effect, phosphorous and
potassium should be applied in conjunction with ammonium sulphate.
The worldwide use of fertilizer has increased steadily over the past three decades and is likely to continue
to grow. As the agricultural sector develops in Madagascar, this may allow for significant future sales of
ammonium sulphate within the country.
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AMBATOVY – SUPPORTING GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
