KNI sulphuric acid plant nears commissioning as contractor accelerates work

By Dominikus

PT Kolaka Nickel Indonesia’s (KNI) sulphuric acid plant is moving closer to commissioning as its EPC contractor, China National Chemical Engineering Sixth Construction Co., Ltd. (SCCCNCE), accelerates project execution through a series of procurement awards and commissioning-related tenders in March.

The project, designed with a capacity of 4x1 million tonnes per year of sulphuric acid, forms a key supporting facility for the broader KNI industrial development linked to nickel hydrometallurgical processing in Pomalaa, Southeast Sulawesi.

Data from Chinese tendering platforms show that SCCCNCE, a subsidiary of China National Chemical Engineering Group Corporation, awarded multiple procurement packages in March 2026 covering core and auxiliary systems, including valves, control cables, transmitters, pipe supports and converter internals, indicating ongoing system integration across mechanical, electrical and instrumentation works.

In parallel, the contractor launched a request for quotation for trial operation technical services in early March, seeking experienced personnel to support plant commissioning and startup. The tender calls for specialists with proven experience in sulphuric acid plant startup operations, including process, equipment and instrumentation expertise, signalling preparation for the next phase of project execution.

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The combination of continued procurement and commissioning-related tenders suggests that construction phases are progressing in parallel, with certain units advancing toward readiness for trial operations while installation activities continue across other sections of the plant.

The sulphuric acid facility is expected to supply acid for high pressure acid leach (HPAL) processing within the KNI complex, a critical step in producing mixed hydroxide precipitate (MHP) used in electric vehicle battery materials.

The project is part of the broader HPAL development in Pomalaa, which involves PT Vale Indonesia Tbk, Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt Co., Ltd., and Ford Motor Company.

The advancement of large-scale sulphuric acid capacity comes amid rising sulphur demand in Indonesia, driven by the expansion of HPAL projects. According to S&P Global, Indonesia imported more than 5 million tonnes of sulphur in 2025, up around 42% year-on-year, with demand expected to continue growing in 2026.

Additional HPAL developments are expected to further increase sulphur requirements, reinforcing Indonesia’s position as a structural net importer. While new smelting and refining projects are adding domestic sulphuric acid capacity, supply is expected to remain closely tied to the pace of nickel downstream expansion.

The ramp-up of procurement and commissioning preparation at the KNI sulphuric acid plant highlights the strategic role of acid infrastructure in supporting Indonesia’s growing nickel processing and electric vehicle battery supply chain.

Editing by Reiner Simajuntak