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[Video Enhanced] NexMetals Metallurgy Results Create a Potentially Quicker and Cheaper Pathway to Production
Thenewswireยท 2025-09-11 12:30
Core Viewpoint - NexMetals Mining has achieved a significant metallurgical breakthrough at its Selebi Mines in Botswana, allowing for the production of both copper and nickel concentrates, which may reduce capital expenditures and operational complexities [1][3][4]. Company Overview - NexMetals Mining owns two previously-producing copper-nickel-cobalt mines in Botswana, a Tier 1 mining jurisdiction [1]. - The Selebi Mines were operational from 1980 to 2016, producing 40 million tonnes of ore before being placed in Care & Maintenance due to low metal prices and smelter issues [2]. Metallurgical Breakthrough - The metallurgical program has created the option to produce saleable copper and nickel concentrates without the need for an on-site smelter, leading to significant reductions in capital expenditure and operational complexity [3][4][9]. - Initial recoveries show a copper concentrate with a grade of 27.6% and an 87% recovery rate, while nickel concentrate has a grade of 10.5% with a 55.9% recovery rate [7][8]. Economic Context - The demand for critical metals, particularly copper, has surged due to the green energy transformation, with copper prices increasing by 92% over the last five years, from USD $2.36/lb to $4.50/lb [11]. - Botswana's economy, traditionally reliant on diamond exports, is looking to diversify through copper production, which is seen as a key area for job creation and economic growth [16][17]. Future Prospects - The results from the metallurgical advancements will be incorporated into an updated mineral resource estimate, expected to show significant improvements over previous estimates [19]. - The company has received substantial investment, with a $46 million equity financing round, indicating strong institutional interest in its assets [12].
Centaurus Metals (CTM) 2025 Conference Transcript
2025-08-05 07:20
Summary of Centaurus Metals Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Centaurus Metals - **Project**: Jaguar Nickel Sulfide Project - **Location**: Brazil Key Points and Arguments Project Progress and Feasibility - Significant progress has been made on the Jaguar nickel sulfide project over the past twelve months, with plans for an investment decision by the end of Q1 next year [3][26] - The project has a resource of 138 million tonnes of nickel, containing approximately 1.2 million tonnes of nickel metal, with reserves of around 400,000 tonnes [4][18] - The project is expected to have a fifteen-year life based on current open-pit reserves [4] Economic Viability - The project is highly economic, with an NPV exceeding AUD 1 billion and an IRR above 30% [10] - Operating costs are projected at $4.43 per pound, positioning the project competitively against other nickel sources, particularly from Indonesia [12][23] - The project is expected to generate free cash flows of approximately USD 170 million annually at long-term nickel prices, with current spot prices yielding around USD 100 million [23] Strategic Partnerships and Funding - Centaurus is actively seeking a minority project partner to secure funding and ensure competitiveness throughout the nickel cycle [5][6] - The company is in discussions with various groups for long-term offtake agreements, highlighting a disconnect between strategic needs for nickel supply and equity market perceptions [6] Environmental and Regulatory Approvals - All necessary environmental licenses have been obtained, including a preliminary license and an installation license, allowing for project construction [7][8][24] - The project benefits from a low carbon footprint due to Brazil's reliance on hydroelectric power, which is attractive to potential partners [8][14] Production Profile - The production profile is expected to start at approximately 22,500 tonnes of nickel annually for the first seven years, tapering to around 16,000-17,000 tonnes in subsequent years [10][22] - There is potential for additional underground mineralization that could enhance production in the future [19] Infrastructure and Location Advantages - The project is located in the Carajas mineral province, a well-established mining region with significant infrastructure, including roads and power lines [15][28] - Proximity to Vale's operations and other mining projects enhances logistical advantages for Centaurus [15][16] Future Outlook - An investment decision is anticipated by March or April next year, with a projected two-year build time leading to production around 2028 [26][27] - The company expects a significant re-rating of its market cap once funding is secured and production begins [28] Additional Important Information - The project is positioned as a Tier one scale asset in a prolific mineral province, with strong cash flow generation potential once operational [28] - The Brazilian government has enhanced support for critical mineral projects, improving the funding landscape for such initiatives [14]