澳大利亚西部矿山集团展开概括研究，测试Mulga Tank镍项目

Core Insights - Western Mines Group is conducting a feasibility study and metallurgical testing on its Mulga Tank project, which is claimed to be Australia's largest nickel deposit with over 5 million tons of metal reserves [2] - The company aims to achieve high recovery rates and become a low-cost producer of sulfide nickel, with expectations that the Mulga Tank deposit could become a strategic asset within three to five years, potentially rivaling Canada Nickel's Crawford deposit [2] - The nickel reserves at Mulga Tank are approximately 5.3 million tons, with 1.6 million tons classified as indicated resources and 3.5-3.6 million tons as inferred resources [2] - The company has invested $10 million in the project and has recently completed another round of financing, ensuring sufficient funding for the next 6-12 months [2] Nickel Market Outlook - The company remains optimistic about nickel prices, stating that a price of $15,000 per ton is a solid bottom, especially as mining costs in Indonesia are rising [3] - Indonesia accounts for 63% of global refined nickel production, and the rising costs there may increase opportunities for Western Australia, which is considered a "world-class nickel province" [3] - Market participants during LME week expressed optimism about nickel's future, as Indonesia needs higher nickel prices to address fiscal shortfalls and achieve budget balance [4] Strategic Positioning - Western Mines Group aims to position itself in the lower half of the nickel production cost curve, with lower CO2 emissions expected from its sulfide mining operations compared to the common laterite deposits in Indonesia [4] - The company is following the trend of Western countries shifting towards low-grade nickel deposits, with Canada Nickel's Crawford deposit leading this change [5] - The company plans to present the economic viability of the Mulga Tank project in 2026, showcasing it as a "superior ore body" [6]