Mincor’s nickel ore reserves, including those at its Cassini project, increased by132pc during the first quarter of the year.
The total ore reserve increased to 2mn mt with a 2.8pc nickel grade for 59,330mt nickel, while the Cassini portion increased to 952,544mt with a 3.3pc nickel grade for 31,1136mt of nickel. The Maiden ore reserve for the Long Mine, which is under Mincor ownership, saw a slight increase of 14,515mt at a 2.7pc nickel grade for 3900mt of nickel.
Exploration yielded two massive sulphide intersections at the Cassini reserve at 17.6 meters at 5pc nickel and 8.2 meters at 7.6pc nickel. They could also confirm a potential new area adjacent to the Cassini main at 7.7 meters and 1.4pc nickel.
Amid the pandemic, the company is in talks with Ngadju Negotiation Committee and has agreed on all key matters for progressing its Mining Operations Agreement, which will be complete in June, at the Cassini mines.
David Southam, Mincor’s managing director, said the company completed some major projects and increased its nickel ore reserves in Q1. He added that the company has also taken precautions to mitigate damage done to its business interests by COVID-19.