JX Nippon and Pan Pacific Copper reduce operations
JX Nippon and Pan Pacific Copper ramped down operations at the Caserons copper mine in Chile by 40pc in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes reducing the number of workers on any given shift. The companies await further directives from the Chilean government.
Mincor releases DFS results at Kambalda nickel mine
Mincor Resources’ definitive feasibility study of its nickel restart plan in Australia’s Kambalda district revealed the potential for a five-year operation that can produce nearly 63,000mt of nickel concentrate worth $68mn. Mincor’s flagship Cassinni mine is anticipated to initially contribute 56pc of its nickel concentrate production, followed by the Miitel mine supplying the rest. Mincor’s board will make a final investment decision in Q3 2020 in an effort to produce nickel concentrate by H2 20201. While the company acknowledged COVID-19 could potentially obstruct its timeline, it believes a strong cash position and no debt will help it overcome any hurdles.
Jervois released drilling results at Kilembe Uganda
Jervois mines released exploration results of drilling at Kilembe in Uganda to test the presence of copper anomalies. At a depth of 101.3 meters, it found 0.24pc copper at 6.1 meters. This intersection included 1.36pc copper at 1 meter. At a 39.3 meter depth, it found 0.73pc copper at 1 meter. At 64 meter depth, Jervois’ team found 0.15pc copper at 8 meter. At a 70 meter depth, it found 0.43pc copper at 6 meter—an intersection that included 0.63pc copper at 70.9 meter depth.
However, all operations at the mine have been indefinitely suspended in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Aludium’s operations to continue
Despite the pandemic, Aludium will continue production, as ell as dispatching orders to its customers across Europe. The company doesn’t anticipate any disruptions to its supply chain, and has undertaken safeguarding measures for its employees.