PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Metals miner Independence Group has transported the first nickel concentrate from the Nova project, in Western Australia, to BHP Billiton’s Nickel West operations.
“The first shipment of concentrate is another important milestone for the Nova project and this took place earlier than contemplated by the feasibility study, and in line with the guidance we provided to the market,” said Independence MD and CEO Peter Bradford.
Nova produced its first concentrate six months ahead of plan in October.
At full production, Nova is expected to produce 26 000 t/y of contained nickel and 11 500 t/y of contained copper, at an all-in sustaining cost of A$1.83/lb. The project is expected to initially operate for ten years.
Two three-year offtake agreements are in place for the nickel concentrate from Nova, covering the project’s full production. The first is with BHP and the second with mining major Glencore.
All copper concentrate will also be shipped offshore under a three-year offtake agreement with Trafigura.