{"id":18145,"date":"2022-02-11T09:43:20","date_gmt":"2022-02-11T09:43:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.innovationnewsnetwork.com\/?p=18145"},"modified":"2023-05-12T13:32:01","modified_gmt":"2023-05-12T12:32:01","slug":"exploring-zambias-premier-nickel-mine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.innovationnewsnetwork.com\/exploring-zambias-premier-nickel-mine\/18145\/","title":{"rendered":"Exploring Zambia\u2019s premier nickel mine"},"content":{"rendered":"
The Munali nickel mine in Zambia\u2019s Southern province has just recorded its most successful year since mining operations recommenced in the spring of 2019, ramping up production to over 300 tons per month of nickel in a premium (12.5%) nickel sulphide concentrate. Despite a challenging start, production has stabilised, and the operations are now consistently producing high-grade nickel concentrate above targets month on month. Already unique in being Zambia\u2019s only fully operational nickel mine, the CEO is determined that the company also be singled out for its conscious choice to produce an environmentally friendly metal from carbon-neutral operations.<\/p>\n
In 2022, Consolidated Nickel Mines Ltd (CNM), established in the UK and running the Munali mine, plans to increase production to 350 tons per month, focusing on safety, reliability, and repeatability. The company intends to extend its life-of-mine to ten years and add a separate copper and platinum group metal circuit within the year.<\/p>\n
CNM are bullish on nickel prices, particularly for their high-grade, sulphide-based concentrates for which they expect increasing demand, ensuring prices for their product continue on an upward trend.<\/p>\n
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The primary market for nickel in the 2000s was for stainless steel production, which eventually resulted in low nickel prices following large-scale stockpiling during China\u2019s commodity boom. The stainless steel market continues to grow, still accounting for around 70% of the world\u2019s nickel market. Still, now that the electric vehicle market has come into play, Munali can showboat its strengths and align production with its core values and EV focused mining rationale.<\/p>\n
While the EV markets\u2019 demand for nickel has sky rocketed and this journey towards mass electrification is good news for the nickel industry\u2019s pocket, it also raises environmental concerns. Fortunately, the nickel produced at Munali is a high-grade sulphide that attracts a premium and is ideally suited to the EV market. It is also produced with minimal impact on the environment. Munali encapsulates the \u2018cradle to grave\u2019 concept concerning carbon usage, resulting in a carbon-neutral and potentially carbon negative operation. Additionally, it runs on Zambia\u2019s 80% hydro-based power supply and is committed to the reforestation of the unique Miombo woodland biome within the boundaries of the operation. Strong collaboration with the local community and stakeholders around education, health and environmentally sustainable practices are a priority for CNM.<\/p>\n
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Widespread deforestation around the mining area, which arose due to the intensive clearing of trees for charcoal production, is being addressed. The Miombo woodland collaboration has rejuvenated large woodland areas within the mine site\u2019s borders. This initiative began, small-scale, with the planting of indigenous trees by staff and management and is now being rolled out on a much larger scale with the planting of over 20,000 hardwood trees in the pipeline. New initiatives to demonstrate the commercial value of the reserve to the community in a sustainable manner are also being practised. Once established, the Miombo woodland can support a sustainable charcoal industry, honey farming and mushroom growing, potentially creating new jobs within the community. Training and awareness around forest conservation are also being driven, including how charcoal production can be maintained sustainably.<\/p>\n
Additionally, fruit trees are being planted in the local communities to support community orchards. Over 250 fruit trees have already been planted, including avocado, guava and mango. This project has a target of planting over 2,500 fruit trees. Munali will continue to intensify and vastly expand its tree-planting programmes over the next five years.<\/p>\n
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Munali is privileged to hold a social licence to operate (SLO), having met and surpassed all its social commitments to date and has been recognised by the Zambian Government for its innovative approach to CSR. Munali continues to invest in projects that focus on the three social development pillars of education (including vocational skills training), health, and agriculture in the local communities impacted by the mine and beyond. In addition, collaboration with the local community and institutions of higher learning and partnerships with government, local businesses and non-profit organisations continue to strengthen and grow, the aim being to leave a positive legacy, empowering the community long beyond the operational life of the mine.<\/p>\n