Overview
Stage | Production |
Mine Type | Open Pit |
Commodities |
|
Mining Method |
|
Summary:
The targeted deposit type for all projects is tropical (wet) lateritic nickel and cobalt. Particular emphasis is placed on the definition of reasonable thicknesses (i.e. >4m) of (garnieritic) saprolite.
This style of mineralisation is best developed in areas of moderate topographic gradient over olivine-rich ultramafic cumulates; particularly in areas of relatively higher bedrock fracture density.
Vertical zonation within nickeliferous laterite is distinct, with nickel content generally increasing with depth. Garnierite, the principal saprolite nickel host mineral, is a variety of serpentine, a silicate mineral developed below base of total oxidation in the weathering profile. Overprinted on the saprolite is an iron oxide zone of massive, microscopic scale goethite (limonite) needles termed “ferralite”. This zone is characterized by higher iron and manganese and lower magnesium content than the saprolite (garnierite) horizon. The presence of higher proportions of manganese oxides (“asbolite”) can frequently result in bonanza grades of cobalt (up to 3% locally), which readily incorporates into the asbolite crystal structure. Nickel content is generally lower than in the saprolite.
Production:
Commodity | Units | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 |
Saprolite
|
wmt
| ......  | ......  | 1,529,526 | 1,921,351 | 2,367,548 | 2,190,463 |
Limonite
|
wmt
| ......  | ......  | ......  | ......  | ......  | ......  |
All production numbers are expressed as ore.
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Operational Metrics:
Metrics | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 |
Ore tonnes mined
| ......  | ......  | ......  | 3,244,322 wmt | 3,461,974 wmt | 3,361,166 wmt |
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Reserves at December 1, 2019:
Category | Tonnage | Commodity | Grade | Contained Metal |
Proven & Probable
|
30,816 kwmt
|
Nickel
|
1.44 %
|
285.76 kt
|
Proven & Probable
|
59,950 kwmt
|
Nickel
|
1.17 %
|
490 kt
|
Proven & Probable
|
30,816 kwmt
|
Iron
|
13.56 %
|
|
Proven & Probable
|
59,950 kwmt
|
Iron
|
33.83 %
|
|
Measured & Indicated
|
35,601 kwmt
|
Nickel
|
1.51 %
|
350 kt
|
Measured & Indicated
|
61,650 kwmt
|
Nickel
|
1.19 %
|
512 kt
|
Measured & Indicated
|
35,601 kwmt
|
Iron
|
14.35 %
|
|
Measured & Indicated
|
61,650 kwmt
|
Iron
|
33.69 %
|
|
Inferred
|
7,433 kwmt
|
Nickel
|
1.48 %
|
72 kt
|
Inferred
|
8,872 kwmt
|
Nickel
|
1.09 %
|
68 kt
|
Inferred
|
7,433 kwmt
|
Iron
|
13.49 %
|
|
Inferred
|
8,872 kwmt
|
Iron
|
28.97 %
|
|
Corporate Filings & Presentations:
Document | Year |
...................................
|
2019
|
...................................
|
2018
|
Annual Report
|
2016
|
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Aerial view:
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