Koniambo will constitute a long-term, low-cost asset with a resource base that currently comprises 142.1 million tonnes of measured and indicated saprolite resources with a 2.13% nickel content, 140.7 million tonnes of inferred saprolite resources with a 2.16% nickel content and 104 million tonnes of inferred limonite resources with a 1.50% nickel content.
The present plan envisages 25 years of mining operations, as well as a strong possibility of additional resources that will make it possible to extend the life of the mine and the production of ore to over 50 years.
The deposit contains nickel in the form of saprolite and limonite with grades that compare favourably with those of other laterite deposits in the world.
Koniambo Reserves and Resources :
| Mining reserves of sponites (maximum content 2%NI) |
M tonnes |
%NI |
| Proven |
17,182 |
2.50 |
| Probable |
45,293 |
3.36 |
| Total |
62,475 |
2.40 |
| |
| Measured and indicated saprolite resources |
M tonnes |
%NI |
| Mineral resource (maximum content 1.5%NI) |
142,110 |
2.13 |
| |
Presumed resource (maximum content 1.5%NI)
|
M tonnes |
%NI |
Other saprolite resources
|
140,710 |
2.16 |
Limonite resources (content 1.2%NI)
|
104,000 |
1.50 |
|
Mine and geology 
