Name of the Project
Crawford nickel sulphide project.

Location
Timmins, in Ontario, Canada.

Project Owner/s
Canadian developer Canada Nickel Company.

Project Description
The Crawford project will be a large-scale producer of critical minerals, including nickel and cobalt.

The operation will produce 83-million pounds (38 000 t) of nickel a year over a 41-year life, with production of 48 000 t/y nickel, 8 000 t/y of cobalt, 13 000 oz/y of palladium and platinum, 1.6-million tonnes a year of iron and 76 000 t/y of chrome over its 27-year peak period.

The first phase of the project will have a throughput of 60 000 t/y.

The second phase, planned for commissioning during the fourth year, will double mill throughput to 120 000 t/d.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
The project has an estimated after-tax net present value, at an 8% discount rate, of $2.5-billion and an internal rate of return of 17.1%.

Capital Expenditure
Phase 1 will cost about $1.9-billion and Phase 2 about $1.6-billion.

Planned Start/End Date
A production decision is expected by mid-2025, with a goal of first production by the end of 2027.

Latest Developments
Canada Nickel has initiated the front-end engineering design (FEED) phase.

Spearheaded by Ausenco Engineering Canada, the phase marks a significant step forward in the project’s development trajectory. The FEED phase is expected to conclude in August 2024.

Activities will be supported by data collected during the 2024 winter geotechnical programme, which is nearing completion. This programme has been designed to mitigate project risks and procure essential data, facilitating a smooth transition towards the start of construction upon the final investment decision.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
Ausenco Engineering Canada (PEA and FEED).

Contact Details for Project Information
Canada Nickel Company, email info@canadanickel.com.