MTI(US:MTX) Businesswireยท2025-10-28 16:47Core Insights - Fortune Minerals Limited has engaged P&E Mining Consultants Inc. to update the Mineral Reserve estimates, mine plan, and production schedule for the NICO Project Feasibility Study, which is expected to benefit from higher metal prices, particularly gold and bismuth [1][3][5] Company Overview - Fortune Minerals is focused on developing the NICO cobalt-gold-bismuth-copper project located in the Northwest Territories and Alberta, which includes a planned open pit and underground mine along with a hydrometallurgical facility [1][14] - The NICO Project is the largest bismuth deposit globally, holding 12% of the world's reserves, while China controls 80% of global mine production and 90% of refined bismuth supply [8] Project Economics - The previous 2014 Feasibility Study identified Mineral Reserves of 33.1 million tonnes, including 1.1 million ounces of gold, 82.3 million pounds of cobalt, 102.1 million pounds of bismuth, and 27.2 million pounds of copper, supporting a 20-year mine life [5] - Current metal prices are significantly higher than those used in the 2014 study, with gold at approximately US$4,000 per ounce, cobalt at US$22 per pound, bismuth at US$17 per pound, and copper at US$5 per pound, which will enhance project revenues [5][10] Strategic Importance - The development of the NICO Project is aligned with North American efforts to strengthen critical mineral supply chain resilience and security, reducing dependence on foreign entities [2][7] - The project is positioned to be a reliable source of critical minerals essential for energy transition and technological advancements, with significant demand growth anticipated for bismuth in various applications [9][10] Future Plans - Fortune plans to produce cobalt sulfate heptahydrate at its Alberta facility for use in lithium-ion batteries, with cobalt being a critical component in various industries [10] - The company also owns the Sue-Dianne satellite deposit, which could provide additional mill feed to extend the life of the NICO concentrator [11][14]