Talon upgrades nickel 107pc
Talon Metals upgraded a nickel sulphide mineralization feed sample at its Minnesota-based Tamarack project from 0.57pc to 1.18pc nickel—an increase of 107pc—in 32.8pc of the mass. Tamarack has an overall nickel recovery rate of 70.6pc, which is the equivalent to 82pc nickel in sulphide recovery. The company also increased its copper grade from 0.36pc to 0.79pc at 71.8pc recovery. According to Talon, it demonstrated that the mine’s nickel sulphide mineralization below 0.7pc—the cut-off grade—can be upgraded to above cut-off grade.
Cerro Verde on maintenance until April 12
Cerro Verde—which is majority owner Freeport-McMoRan and was put on maintenance for 15 days beginning March 16—will not resume activity until at least April 12 after Peru’s government extended the country’s national emergency in a bid to contain COVID-19. The mine, of which Freeport McMoRan owns 53.56pc, produced 1bn lb (453,592mt) of copper and 29mn lb of molybdenum last year, and has one of the biggest concentrating facilities in the world. Cerro Verde’s operators are in discussions with the Peruvian government about adopting appropriate health protocols for workers, who are maintaining minimal functions so that facilities can transition to normal capacity once the decree has been lifted.