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July 26, 2022
In-fill drilling and flotation testwork complete, updated MRE on track, DFS advancing well
Centaurus Metals (ASX Code: CTM) is pleased to provide an update on the progress of the Jaguar Nickel Project Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) and project development initiatives, with the latest work continuing to clearly demonstrate the enormous scale of the project.
- In-fill drill program now complete with updated Mineral Resource Estimate on track for the end of Q3 2022.
- Based on the current MRE of the Jaguar deposits and recent pit optimisation work used to design the in-fill drill program, the pits are coalescing into one with a strike extent of 3km, up to 1km width and depths that extend to over 300m while maintaining a low strip ratio of approximately 7.5:1.
- Flotation testwork now complete, with over 50 bulk flotation tests completed to produce over 400kg of concentrate ready to use as feed for pilot plant testing of the planned pressure oxidation circuit.
- The delivery date for the Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) has been reviewed by Ausenco and the Company and is now targeted for the end of March 2023, in part due the expansion in the overall Project design flowing from the significantly larger Jaguar Resource base and project footprint and in part due to delays in being able to start the pilot program as originally scheduled.
- A Final Investment Decision (FID) remains on track for the end of Q3 2023, after relevant environmental approvals have been secured.
- In addition to the main nickel sulphate product from Jaguar, by-product credits are planned to be delivered from a copper cathode recovery circuit and separate zinc and cobalt mixed sulphide precipitates.
- Foundation geotechnical investigations and sterilisation drilling of major infrastructure areas (IWL, Waste Dumps and Process Plant site) have been completed with, importantly, no economic mineralisation intersected in the sterilisation work.
- New Core Shed being built on site at Jaguar capable of holding 280,000m of drill core.
- Plant nursery established to assist with the Company’s revegetation efforts for the creation of fauna corridors around the project area.
- Enrolment process for a 1,500-person construction training program has commenced and has been received very well by the local community.
- Vale royalty on the production of nickel sulphate agreed at a rate of 0.55%. The royalty rate, should the Company ever produce a nickel concentrate product, will remain at 0.75% as established under the original agreement to acquire the Jaguar Project.
- Experienced London-based nickel marketing executive, Mr Robert Aird, appointed as Head of Nickel Sales on consulting basis.
- Centaurus remains well-funded with $60 million in cash and no debt.
Commenting on the DFS progress, Centaurus Metals Managing Director, Mr Darren Gordon, said: "The Jaguar Project is continuing to reveal its world-class credentials with each package of work that we complete. With in-fill drilling now complete and a significant amount of work already well advanced for the Definitive Feasibility Study, the broader project development is now really beginning to gather speed.
“What is continuing to shine through at Jaguar is the sheer scale of the Project. It is not too often in a mining project that you get to develop a mine plan where the open pits are likely to extend over 3km along strike, be up to 1km wide and extend to depths of over 300 metres while still maintaining a low strip ratio of approximately 7.5:1.
"Given the increased scale of the Project and COVID-related delays in starting the pilot testwork program, we have agreed with Ausenco that the DFS will now be targeted for delivery at the end of March 2023, rather than the end of 2022 as originally conceived. This will provide additional time to complete all the DFS work to a very high standard, without compromising the overall delivery schedule for the Project.
“We are still targeting a Final Investment Decision at the end of Q3 2023, once all environmental approvals have been secured, paving the way for us to deliver the world’s next significant green nickel project.”
MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE (MRE) UPDATE
The December 2021 Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) comprises 80.6Mt @ 0.91% Ni for 730,700t of contained nickel (Table 1), with the Indicated component of the Resource being 43.4Mt @ 0.92% Ni for 397,000t of contained nickel, representing 54% of the Global MRE.
The Company has now completed Resource development in-fill drilling across all the Jaguar and Onca Deposits at the Jaguar Project. Drilling was designed to upgrade all Resources within a constrained US$22,000/t nickel price pit shell limit into the higher- confidence Indicated category.
Further in-fill drilling to upgrade Indicated Resources into Measured has also been completed to provide additional confidence in the MRE that will underpin the early stages of mining and nickel production. The in-fill drill results continue to support the current geological model and demonstrate the continuity of the mineralisation both down-dip and along strike.
The Company is targeting more than 500,000t of contained nickel in the Measured and Indicated categories of the next MRE, planned for the end of Q3 2022, which will underpin the Jaguar Project Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) and initial Ore Reserve Estimate. With the completion of the in-fill drilling, the drill rigs have now moved to Resource growth focused step-out and extensional drilling as well as new discovery greenfields drilling.
MINE ACTIVITIES
Geotechnical Investigations
Geotechnical logging of selected exploration drill core, subsequent modelling of major geotechnical domains and drilling of a geotechnical drill program have been completed to support open pit wall design. Samples from the drill core representing differing lithologies were collected and sent to the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) for strength testing.
An additional drill program including four short holes designed to test the rock mass conditions in the upper levels of the Jaguar South Pit Southern Wall was completed in early July.
Results have shown the rock conditions for the pits to be generally good to very good. Localised zones of weak rock mass conditions associated with biotite alteration will require local management but are spatially constrained and their location and extents are well understood.
Open pit wall and underground stope designs for the DFS will be finalised in the next 2-3 weeks.
Click here for the full ASX Release
This article includes content from Centaurus Metals (ASX Code: CTM), licensed for the purpose of publishing on Investing News Australia. This article does not constitute financial product advice. It is your responsibility to perform proper due diligence before acting upon any information provided here. Please refer to our full disclaimer here.
CTM:AU
27 February
Tartisan Nickel Corp. Completes Initial Data Interpretation from the Airborne EM26 Survey, Turtle Pond Knight Danger Nickel-Copper-Platinum Project
Tartisan Nickel Corp. (CSE: TN) (OTCQB: TTSRF) (FSE: 8TA)("Tartisan" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has completed the data acquisition and initial interpretation from a Helicopter-Borne Target EM26 Magnetic and VLF Geophysical Survey on the Turtle Pond Knight Danger ("Turtle Pond") nickel-copper-platinum property near Dryden, Ontario. The survey was intended to search for mineralization that is associated with magnetic anomalies from the presence of pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite host rocks.
The airborne magnetic survey, conducted by Expert Geophysics Limited, collected electromagnetic and magnetic data using a cesium vapor magnetometer in a separate towed- bird for collecting measurements of the intensity of the earth's magnetic field to provide detailed insights into the geological features of the Turtle Pond property. Initial results indicate promising anomalies that may correlate with the presence of Nickel, Copper, and PGE mineralization. Additional geophysical interpretation and integration of previous geophysical data from Turtle Pond is underway which will help the Company to fully understand the implications of these findings and to refine exploration strategies moving forward in 2025.
"Our team is excited about the preliminary results of the magnetic survey which suggests that Turtle Pond has potential for significant mineral deposits including PGM's," said Mark Appleby, CEO of Tartisan Nickel Corp. "Next steps involve an in-depth interpretation of the data to identify drill targets and enhance our understanding of subsurface geology. This survey represents a significant step forward in the exploration and evaluation of the property's mineral potential."
The Turtle Pond Property is strategically located in a region known for its mineral deposit potential, and Tartisan Nickel Corp. remains optimistic about the potential for economic mineralization. The results from the magnetic survey will be integrated with existing geological and previous drill and assay data to support our ongoing exploration efforts.
Tartisan Nickel Corp. is committed to a thorough and responsible exploration process, prioritizing environmental stewardship and community engagement. The company will continue to collaborate closely with local stakeholders as it progresses with exploration initiatives.
An Assessment Report on the Turtle Pond Knight Danger Property has been filed.
Additionally, Tartisan Nickel Corp. will host Booth 3035 at the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada, March 2nd to 5th, 2025, Toronto Convention Centre, Ontario. We look forward to sharing the Tartisan story and connecting with investors.
About Tartisan Nickel Corp.
Tartisan Nickel Corp. is a Canadian based mineral exploration and development company which owns; the Kenbridge Nickel-Copper Project in Northwestern Ontario; the Sill Lake Silver Property in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario as well as the Turtle Pond Knight Danger Project in Northwestern Ontario.
Tartisan Nickel Corp. common shares are listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE: TN) (OTCQB: TTSRF) (FSE: 8TA). Currently, there are 130,995,782 shares outstanding (137,784,671 fully diluted).
Dean MacEachern P.Geo. is the Qualified Person under NI 43-101 and has read and approved the technical content of this News Release.
For further information, please contact Mark Appleby, President & CEO, and a Director of the Company, at 416-804-0280 (info@tartisannickel.com). Additional information about Tartisan Nickel Corp. can be found at the Company's website at www.tartisannickel.com or on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
This news release may contain forward-looking statements including but not limited to comments regarding the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt of property titles, potential mineral recovery processes, etc. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements.
The Canadian Securities Exchange (operated by CNSX Markets Inc.) has neither approved nor disapproved of the contents of this press release.
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20 February
Chalice Mining Makes Metallurgical "Breakthrough" at Gonneville Project
Chalice Mining ( ASX:CHN,OTC Pink:CGMLF) said on Monday (February 17) that it has made an important metallurgical breakthrough at its Gonneville projected, located in Western Australia.
The company said a hydrometallurgical process for nickel concentrate is no longer needed, as recent testwork results confirm that two saleable, smelter-grade flotation concentrates can be produced across the entire sulphide resource.
Managing Director and CEO Alex Dorsch said in a press release that this new information "materially reduces" capital and operating costs for Gonneville, also substantially reducing technical risk and process complexity.
Gonneville was discovered by Chalice geologists in 2020, and is wholly owned by Chalice Mining. The company says it is the first discovery of its kind in Australia, hosting palladium, platinum, nickel, copper and cobalt.
In 2024, the discovery was the recipient of two major project status honours, one from Western Australian Premier Roger Cook in September, and another from Commonwealth Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic in October.
These recognitions underscore the project’s role in Australia’s future critical minerals ambition.
Chalice is currently working on a prefeasibility study for Gonneville, and said testwork and optimisation will continue through the first quarter. Prefeasibility work began in 2023, with completion targeted in mid-2025.
In July 2024, Chalice signed a non-binding strategic memorandum of understanding with Mitsubishi (TSE:8058).
The company said at the time that this arrangement will be beneficial to the project, allowing for collaboration on marketing and offtake solutions and improvements in optimization for Gonneville.
Under Australia's newly legislated Critical Minerals Production Tax Incentive, the project may receive a 10 percent tax offset for its carbon-in-leach leaching, which qualifies as an eligible expenditure.
Shares of Chalice rose as high as AU$1.60 after the news on Monday, but pulled back later in the week.
Chalice said it is well positioned moving forward, with AU$90 million in cash and listed investments.
Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Australia for real-time news updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Gabrielle de la Cruz, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
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19 February
Anglo American to Sell Nickel Business to MMG for Up to US$500 Million
Anglo American (LSE:AAL,OTCQX:AAUKF) has agreed to sell its Brazil nickel operations to MMG Singapore Resources, a subsidiary of MMG (OTC Pink:MMLTF,HKEX:1208), for a cash consideration of up to US$500 million.
According to a Tuesday (February 18) press release, the transaction includes Anglo American’s Barro Alto and Codemin ferronickel operations, along with two development projects, Jacaré and Morro Sem Boné.
The purchase price comprises an upfront payment of US$350 million, a potential price-linked earnout of up to US$100 million and a further US$50 million contingent on a final investment decision for the development projects.
The transaction remains subject to regulatory and competition approvals, with completion expected by Q3 2025.
Anglo American Chief Executive Duncan Wanblad said the sale is a key milestone in furthering the company’s restructuring strategy, which involves divesting certain assets to focus on copper, premium iron ore and crop nutrients.
“Today’s agreement, together with those signed in November 2024 to sell our steelmaking coal business, is expected to generate a total of up to US$5.3 billion of gross cash proceeds, reflecting the high quality of our steelmaking coal and nickel businesses,” Wanblad explained, adding that the company sees MMG as a safe and responsible operator.
MMG Chief Executive Cao Liang described the acquisition as a strategic move to diversify the company’s asset base and expand its presence in Latin America, highlighting MMG’s longstanding collaboration with Anglo American.
Anglo American’s nickel operations serve both the stainless steel and battery sectors, and Barro Alto is the only nickel mine globally that is certified by the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance.
Together, the company's assets produced 39,400 metric tons of nickel in 2024.
Since last year, Anglo American has been refocusing to concentrate on key commodities while divesting non-core assets.
As mentioned, in November 2024, it reached agreements to sell its steelmaking coal business.
Anglo American has also announced plans to divest its De Beers diamond unit, and is proceeding with the planned demerger of its platinum operations, which is expected to be completed by June 2025.
Platinum remains key for the automotive industry, and despite growing demand for electric vehicles, which do not use platinum-group metals, the company believes supply constraints in South Africa could support future pricing.
Anglo American will retain a 19.9 percent stake in the demerged platinum unit, but will not have board representation. The company has stated that it intends to gradually reduce its stake over time.
Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time news updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
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12 February
Nornickel's Net Profit Dips 37 Percent as Western Sanctions and Market Hurdles Persist
Moscow-based miner Norilsk Nickel (Nornickel) reported a 37 percent decline in net profit for 2024, citing ongoing western sanctions and lower metal prices as primary factors affecting its financial performance.
According to the company’s 2024 financial results, consolidated revenue fell 13 percent year-on-year to US$12.5 billion. EBITDA was down 25 percent to US$5.2 billion, with net profit dropping 37 percent to US$1.8 billion.
Company President Vladimir Potanin said that geopolitical restrictions, reduced access to western equipment and shifting trade patterns have negatively impacted the company’s ability to generate cashflow.
“Our business as part of Russian economy remains under significant external pressure. Sanctions and restrictions as well as falling prices of our key metals continued to weigh on our revenue, profitability and ability to generate cash flow," Potanin commented in a press release shared on Monday (February 10).
“Nevertheless, in 2024 we managed to focus on operations and reverse the negative momentum."
CFO Sergei Malyshev said that Nornickel’s board would not recommend paying dividends for 2024.
Although Nornickel itself is not directly sanctioned, broader measures against Russian industries have led to reduced purchases from western clients, disrupted payment channels and logistical difficulties.
The company has redirected its sales to Asian markets to mitigate these effects.
Nornickel is forecasting a global nickel surplus of 150,000 metric tons in 2025, the same as its 2024 surplus estimate. In terms of the market for palladium, which it also produces, it's expected to remain balanced.
The company notes that the US administration’s policy direction on vehicle electrification could influence palladium demand, given its use in internal combustion engine exhaust systems.
Nornickel was tight-lipped about its discussions surrounding a Chinese joint venture.
In December, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters the company was in talks with Chinese conglomerate Xiamen C&D (SHA:600153) to establish a joint venture to process Nornickel’s copper raw material into metal. Nornickel confirmed the negotiations at the time, and said in a conference call this week that it can't disclose further details.
Nickel market facing challenges in 2025
On a macro level, the nickel market is under pressure due to oversupply and slow demand growth.
The base metal experienced price volatility in 2024, with a brief surge in the first quarter followed by a decline, closing the year in the US$15,000 to US$15,200 per metric ton range.
Industry analysts have pointed to a continued supply glut as a key factor suppressing prices.
For instance, Indonesian production has expanded significantly in recent years, adding to the global nickel surplus. Efforts to rebalance the market have been slow, with limited price recovery expected in 2025.
The potential policy shifts under US President Donald Trump’s administration could further influence the global nickel market. The Inflation Reduction Act, introduced under the previous administration, imposed restrictions on the sourcing of critical minerals for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Current rules require that nickel suppliers meet foreign entity of concern standards to qualify for tax credits in the US EV market.
Under existing provisions, companies linked to China, Russia, Iran or North Korea cannot hold more than 25 percent control over entities supplying critical minerals for US EV batteries.
This has affected Indonesian nickel exports, as many projects in the country have significant Chinese ownership.
Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
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11 February
Blackstone Minerals Expands Portfolio with Mankayan Copper-Gold Project Acquisition
In a strategic move that marks a significant expansion beyond the company's nickel-mining operations, Blackstone Minerals (ASX:BSX,OTC Pink:BLSTF,FWB:B9S) has announced a merger of equals with IDM International to acquire the Mankayan copper-gold project in the Philippines.
This acquisition positions Blackstone to leverage its expertise in the evolving mining landscape, driven by energy transition requirements, according to Blackstone Managing Director Scott Williamson.
"We can leverage (the) experience that we have from operating in Vietnam, which is a similar jurisdiction. We've operated in Vietnam for the last five or six years; we've been focused on nickel in Vietnam. Now we can use that team and our expertise in developing mines in Vietnam to the Mankayan project in the Philippines," he explained.
The Mankayan project is renowned for its high-grade copper and gold potential, supported by impressive historical drill results. Williamson emphasized the project's significance, indicating the potential for a substantial resource expansion.
Blackstone's future plans for the Mankayan project include an aggressive exploration and development strategy.
"We're looking to do a bit of geophysics, but then also, once the merger has been completed, assuming it is all successful, then we would look to do further drilling. We think that there's opportunity to expand the resource," Williamson said.
The Philippines presents a favorable backdrop for this acquisition. Williamson pointed out that the government's pro-mining stance, coupled with successful operations by other companies in the region, creates an opportune climate for development.
Watch the full interview with Blackstone Minerals Managing Director Scott Williamson above.
Disclaimer: This interview is sponsored by Blackstone Minerals (ASX:BSX,OTC Pink:BLSTF,FWB:B9S). This interview provides information which was sourced by the Investing News Network (INN) and approved by Blackstone Minerals in order to help investors learn more about the company. Blackstone Minerals is a client of INN. The company’s campaign fees pay for INN to create and update this interview.
INN does not provide investment advice and the information on this profile should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. INN does not endorse or recommend the business, products, services or securities of any company profiled.
The information contained here is for information purposes only and is not to be construed as an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of securities. Readers should conduct their own research for all information publicly available concerning the company. Prior to making any investment decision, it is recommended that readers consult directly with Blackstone Minerals and seek advice from a qualified investment advisor.
This interview may contain forward-looking statements including but not limited to comments regarding the timing and content of upcoming work programs, receipt of property titles, etc. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. The issuer relies upon litigation protection for forward-looking statements. Investing in companies comes with uncertainties as market values can fluctuate.
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