World's Largest Zero-Emission Autoclave Launched in Morowali, Anchoring Global Green Nickel Hub

PT Bahodopi Nickel Smelting Indonesia (BNSI) has inaugurated a massive High Pressure Acid Leach (HPAL) reactor with a capacity of 1,268 cubic metres at the Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IGIP) in Central Sulawesi. The facility is touted as the world’s largest autoclave and a milestone in green hydrometallurgical technology. Professor Kaihua Xu, CEO and Founder of GEM Co., Ltd., stated that the reactor is designed to achieve zero carbon emissions and can process very low-grade nickel laterite ore, down to 0.6-0.4 percent, which was previously considered uneconomical. This capability significantly extends the lifespan of Indonesia’s nickel reserves. The project, a strategic national initiative, is expected to reach full commercial operation by the first quarter of next year, producing 90,000 tonnes of Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate (MHP) annually with an export value of approximately US$1.5 billion. Minister of Investment and Downstreaming Rosan Perkasa Roeslani highlighted that the industrial park is designed with a commitment to net-zero emissions, utilising solar power. He noted that the development model, which integrates social infrastructure such as sports facilities and places of worship for the local community, should be replicated in other special economic zones across Indonesia. Central Sulawesi Vice Governor Reny Arniwaty Lamadjido praised the project’s humanist approach and its transparent environmental management, including artificial lakes that demonstrate clean waste processing.