Making use of low-risk proven technology and a rotary kiln electric furnace process, diversified miner Anglo American expects its $1,9-billion Barro Alto nickel project, in Brazil, to reach full production capacity in the second half of 2012.

The Barro Alto nickel project is the first of Anglo American’s four major strategic growth projects to begin production and will be a key contributor to Anglo American’s 50% volume growth plans for 2015.

Anglo American’s nickel business CEO, Walter De Simoni, reports that the project, which is expected to average 41 000 t/y of nickel over the first five years of full production, has delivered first production on schedule.

Anglo American CEO Cynthia Carroll says the delivery of first metal from Barro Alto is a major milestone.

“Barro Alto will more than double production from our nickel business and has a long life from its extensive resource base and a highly competitive cost position in the lower half of the cost curve. The safety performance of this project has been particularly impressive and was recognised as the safest mine in Brazil, with over 13- million lost-time-injury-free work hours to September 2010.”

Anglo American has the potential to increase production of nickel by an additional 66 000 t/y, with further upside potential from its unapproved projects in Brazil, Jacaré and Morro Sem Boné, leveraging the group’s considerable nickel laterite technical expertise.