Deccan Gold Mines has entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CSIR-CECRI), Karaikudi, a premier constituent laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Government of India. The MoU establishes a framework for collaboration in scientific research and technology development relating to the extraction of nickel from Nickel-PGE bearing ores and the development of Nickel-Carbon (Ni-C) battery materials and technologies.

The proposed areas of cooperation include:

• Scientific studies on extraction, recovery and characterization of nickel from Ni-PGE ores of the Bhanwarpur Complex (Bhalukona), along with evaluation, characterization and metallurgical test work on lithium concentrates produced from Deccan Gold's Mozambique operations, with a view to developing suitable beneficiation, extraction and value-addition technologies.
• Development of beneficiation, hydrometallurgical and electrochemical processes for nickel extraction and purification.
• Research and development of Nickel-Carbon battery materials and laboratory-scale cells.
• Joint development of project-specific research programmes, technology validation and commercialization opportunities.

The MoU is non-binding in nature and provides the framework for executing project-specific agreements as and when mutually identified opportunities arise. The arrangement is valid for an initial period of two years.