Nickel Miners News For The Month Of June 2022

Welcome to the nickel miners news for June. The past month saw nickel prices return back to more normal levels and plenty of news from the nickel miners.

Nickel Price News

As of June 30, the nickel spot price was USD 10.84, significantly lower than USD 12.63 last month. LME shows the price at USD 24,700/tonne. Nickel inventory at the London Metals Exchange [LME] was lower the past month at 67,116 tonnes (72,000 tonnes last month).

It looks like the nickel price surge has now rebounded back to more normal demand v supply levels, following the March 2022 nickel spot price spike higher due to supply disruption fears from Russia and LME trading dramas.

Nickel spot price chart – Current price = USD 10.84/lb

Nickel Demand Vs. Supply Charts

Battery nickel demand set to surge over tenfold this decade as the EV boom takes off (2020 chart).

Source: BloombergNEF

UBS forecasts Year battery metals go into deficit (2021 chart)

Source: UBS courtesy Carlos Vincens LinkedIn

Nickel demand vs. supply forecast – Deficits widening from 2022 onwards

Source: Garibaldi Resources March 2021 presentation and courtesy of Wood Mackenzie

2021 IEA forecast growth in demand for selected minerals from clean energy technologies by scenario, 2040 relative to 2020 – Increases Of Lithium 13x to 42x, Graphite 8x to 25x, Cobalt 6x to 21x, Nickel 7x to 19x, Manganese 3x to 8x, Rare Earths 3x to 7x, and Copper 2x to 3x.

Source: International Energy Agency 2021 report

Nickel Market News

On June 1 FASTmarkets released:

Where next for nickel? It has been an extraordinarily volatile year for the nickel market… A strong short squeeze on nickel in trading on the LME has disrupted the market. There are also questions about whether in the medium to long-term there will be enough nickel supply – particularly Class 1 nickel – to meet an expected growth in demand for nickel-containing electric vehicle (EV) batteries… Christian Georges, head of commodity research for Société Générale, agreed, stating that about $25,000 per tonne would be more appropriate based on market dynamics. “But where they go from here depends upon the global economy,” he said… Even though the two major nickel-consuming sectors – stainless steel and EV batteries – are expected to continue to see increased demand this year, Richard Ferreira, director of market research and statistics for the International Nickel Study Group (INSG), said that, largely due to new investments in Indonesia and recovery in several other countries, the increase in nickel supply could be greater than nickel usage this year. While the INSG has forecast that this could result in the global nickel market switching over from a 168,000 tonne deficit in 2021 to a slight surplus (of approximately 67,000 tonnes) this year, Cole said that he believes the market will remain in deficit, albeit a much smaller deficit, of about 37,000 tonnes. Robin Bhar, an independent metals consultant, said that at least in the near term there continues to be some potential for prices to move higher for a short period of time before correcting, albeit likely staying at or above the pre-crisis $20,000 per tonne level throughout 2023 and 2024. He said that short-term firming would depend upon whether Russian nickel is directly sanctioned… while there is adequate supply of Class 2 nickel, the big question is Class 1 nickel supply, explaining that, given the projected growth of EVs, there is a need to increase Class 1 nickel supply by about 1 million tonnes per year by 2030, “And with the projects to do so currently being few and far between, and it is unlikely that they will generate more than 25,000-100,000 tonnes more Class 1 nickel [per year] over the next four to five years…

On June 7 The Washington Post reported:

How a battery metals squeeze puts EV future at risk… Factory lines churning out power packs to fuel a clean energy future are being built faster than strained supply chains can keep up. A global rush to lock in stocks of lithium, nickel, cobalt and other key ingredients from a handful of nations has sent prices hurtling higher… While factories can be built in about 18 months, mines can typically take seven years or longer to come online.

On June 8 Reuters reported:

S.Korea’s LG Energy Solution launches nickel processing plants in Indonesia… part of the company’s $9.8 billion investment in the country to produce electric vehicle batteries. The company will build a $3.5 billion smelter with the capacity to produce 150,000 tonnes of nickel sulfate per year…

On June 21 Seeking Alpha reported:

Tesla supply chain problems are paramount concern – Musk… He explained that production has been hindered by raw material shortages and shutdowns of assembly lines in China.

On June 21 Mining.com reported:

Trudeau’s energy chief unveils low-carbon industrial strategy… In British Columbia, officials are particularly interested in hydrogen, critical minerals and the electrification of heavy industry, Wilkinson said. In Quebec, it’s battery manufacturing and how the critical mineral supply chain can feed into it. In Ontario, electric vehicle production is likely to get attention. And in oil-rich Alberta, carbon capture projects will be key… He pointed out that one tool the government wields is, of course, money, with C$3.8 billion ($2.9 billion) already earmarked for critical minerals in the April budget. On top of that, “we have a billion and a half dollars in the Clean Fuels Fund, we have eight billion dollars in the Net Zero Accelerator, we’re setting up the Clean Growth Fund, we have the Canada Infrastructure Bank,” he said.

On June 23 Benchmark Mineral Intelligence reported:

The energy storage revolution has arrived… but who will have dominion over the megatrend of our times?… In 2022, lithium ion battery demand is growing at its fastest ever rate and is on course for 50% year-on-year growth… The raw materials fuelling these gigafactories have also witnessed a coming of age moment.

Lithium supply has increased nearly three-and-a-half times and will be over a 600,000 tonne industry in 2022 – the first time it has topped the half a million tonne mark.

Cobalt demand from the battery industry will reach over 70% of total global volume in 2022, the highest proportion of demand of any of the battery minerals, followed closely by lithium.

Nickel sulphate supply, the battery chemical needed by the lithium ion battery industry, will approach 500,000 tonnes in 2022, more than a 3.5x increase over a 5 year period.

Graphite remains the highest intensity mineral in the lithium ion battery by weight with over 570,000 tonnes of natural flake to be consumed in 2022.

Yet, consumer demand for electric vehicles surpasses our ability to supply them. Waiting times for EVs are lengthening, a lithium ion battery shortage is hitting many automakers, and, most crucially, key raw material prices are at all-time highs.

Source: Benchmark Mineral Intelligence

Nickel Company News

Producers

Vale SA (NYSE:VALE)

Vale plans a US$1.7B Voisey’s Bay expansion plan to boost their nickel production. Construction began in 2018 and is expected to be complete by 2022. You can read more here.

On June 3, Vale SA announced: “Vale announces cash tender offers for any and all notes due 2026, 2034, 2032, 2039, 2036 and 2042…”

On June 9, Vale SA announced:

Vale advances Canadian nickel sulphate project. Vale S.A (“Vale”) informs it has concluded the prefeasibility study for a proposed nickel sulphate project in Quebec, Canada, representing an important milestone for the project development. This strategic initiative highlights Vale’s focus on delivering low carbon and high-purity nickel products into the growing electric vehicle industry. The proposed project in Bécancour, Quebec, would be the first-of-its-kind fully domestic nickel sulphate facility for the North American market, leveraging current and future production of low carbon and high-grade nickel from Vale’s world-class Canadian operations. Based on feasibility work to date, the project would have annual capacity to process 25,000 tonnes of contained nickel into nickel sulphate, the chemical compound used in the production of pre-cathode active materials for nickel-based lithium-ion batteries. The project’s final investment decision and schedule is contingent on a range of factors including downstream battery supply chain integration and requirements, as well as board and regulatory approvals.

Norilsk Nickel (LSX: MNOD) (OTCPK:NILSY)

On June 6, Norilsk Nickel announced: “Nornickel and Russia’s environmental watchdog signed cooperation agreements.”

On June 7, Norilsk Nickel announced: “Nornickel kicks off consultations with indigenous communities on expected lithium mining project.”

On June 8, Nickel announced: “Nornickel reports 2021 sustainable development results.”

BHP Group [ASX:BHP] (NYSE:BHP)

BHP’s Nickel West (includes the Mt Keith nickel mine in Australia) has a Measured and Indicated Resource of 4.1Mt contained nickel with a Total Resource contained nickel of 6.3Mt, with an average grade of 0.58% Ni in sulphide ore. Nickel West produced 80 kt of nickel in FY 2020. Stage 1 production of the Kwinana Nickel Refinery is aimed to be 100ktpa nickel sulphate.

No nickel related news for the month.

BHP’s Nickel West operations

Source: BHP Group/ Nickel West

Glencore [HK:805] [LSE:GLEN] (OTCPK:GLCNF)

On June 17, Glencore announced:

Glencore trading update… Tracking YTD performance, we expect our Marketing segment’s half-year adjusted EBIT to exceed $3.2bn (the top end of our long-term, through the cycle, Adjusted EBIT annual guidance range of $2.2-3.2bn). We currently expect more normal market conditions to prevail in the second half of the year.

Jinchuan Group [HK:2362]

No news for the month.

Sumitomo Metal Mining Co. (OTCPK:SMMYY)

On June 20, Sumitomo Metal Mining Co. announced: “Partial corrections to “Consolidated financial results for the year ended March 31, 2022 [IFRS]”.

Anglo American [LSX:AAL] (OTCPK:AAUKF)

On June 9, Anglo American announced:

Anglo American agrees sustainability-linked loan with International Finance Corporation. Anglo American has signed a $100 million 10-year loan agreement with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) linked to the delivery of sustainability goals that are integral to Anglo American’s Sustainable Mining Plan.

Eramet (OTCPK:ERMAY)

On June 21, Eramet announced:

Eramet:… -In a press release dated 22 February 2022, Eramet announced the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the sale of its subsidiary Aubert & Duval to a consortium formed by Airbus, Safran and Tikehau ACE Capital.

Sherritt International (OTCPK:SHERF)[TSX:S]

On June 1, Sherritt International announced:

Sherritt announces results of modified Dutch auction to purchase secured notes and fixed price tender offer to purchase junior notes. “We are pleased with the strong results of our notes purchase offers, which will reduce the aggregate principal amount of notes outstanding by almost $60 million and our annual interest expense by approximately $5.5 million, while at the same time providing near-term liquidity to our noteholders”…

IGO Limited [ASX:IGO] (OTC:IIDDY) (formerly Independence Group)

On June 20, IGO Limited announced:

Completion of Western Areas scheme of arrangement. IGO’s Managing Director and CEO, Peter Bradford, commented: “The acquisition of Western Areas marks another important milestone for IGO as we continue to grow. Completion of this transaction enhances our position as a leading, independent producer of products critical for a clean energy future. I am also delighted to welcome the Western Areas team to the IGO family and am looking forward to working together as part of a strengthened IGO.”

On June 23, IGO Limited announced: “IGO commits to stage-2 of nickel joint venture.” Highlights include:

• “IGO satisfies $3.0m expenditure to earn a 51% interest in Metal Hawk JV projects.
• IGO elects proceed to Stage-2 with a further $4.0m expenditure required to earn an additional 24% interest.
• Exploration activity significantly ramping up across all JV projects during Q3-Q4 2022.”

On June 27, IGO Limited announced: “IGO Limited investment farm-in / joint venture and placement Bridgetown Greenbushes exploration project.” Highlights include:

• “Farm-in and Joint venture in which IGO Subsidiary can progressively acquire up to a 70% interest in the Bridgetown Greenbushes Exploration Project by incurring A$6,000,000 of exploration expenditure on the Project…”

Panoramic Resources [ASX:PAN] (OTCPK:PANRF)

Panoramic’s Savannah mine and mill has a forecast life of mine average annual production rate of 10,800t of nickel, 6,100t of copper and 800t of cobalt metal contained in concentrate.

On June 9, Panoramic Resources announced: “Fourth concentrate shipment from Savannah completed.” Highlights include:

• “Fourth shipment from Savannah departed Wyndham Port this week for delivery to Jinchuan.
• The shipment contained total of10,489tof nickel-copper-cobalt concentrate.
• Provisional invoice of US$18.1M (A$25.1M)has been submitted, with payment expected next week.
• The fifth shipment is planned for early July and moving forward shipments will be updated on a quarterly basis as operational ramp-up advances.”

Nickel Industries Limited [ASX:NIC] (OTCPK:NICMF)

On May 31 Nickel Mines reported:

RESULTS OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING… change its name from ‘Nickel Mines Limited’ to ‘Nickel Industries Limited.’

On June 6, Nickel Industries Limited announced: “2021 sustainability report.”

Sustainability Performance Highlights

Source: Nickel Mines Ltd. website

Nickel 28 Capital Corp. [TSXV:NKL] [GR:3JC]

On June 1, Nickel 28 announced: “Nickel 28 announces financial results and large debt repayment.” Highlights include:

The Company’s principal asset, an 8.56% joint-venture interest in the Ramu Nickel-Cobalt (“Ramu”) integrated operation in Papua New Guinea, had another outstanding year in terms of production, sales and cash flow. Highlights from Ramu and the Company during the year include:

• “Full year debt repayment of US$38 million, fully repaying the operating debt balance during the year and reducing the remaining construction debt balance to $73.4 million as at January 31st, 2022.
• Production of 31,594 tonnes of contained nickel and 2,953 tonnes of contained cobalt in mixed hydroxide (MHP) placing Ramu as the number one producer of MHP globally.
• Total Ramu project revenue of over US$690 million.
• Average cash costs for the year, net of by-product sales, of US$2.06/lb. of contained nickel.
• Total net and comprehensive income of $11.2 million ($0.13/share)
• Strong year end cash balance of US$4.0 million, providing ample liquidity for the Company.”

Mincor Resources [ASX:MCR] (OTCPK:MCRZF)

Owns the Kambalda Nickel Operations (includes the Cassini nickel sulphide mine), just south of Kambalda in Western Australia. First nickel concentrate production began in Q2 2022.

On June 2, Mincor Resources announced: “New nickel surface at Golden Mile continues to evolve with outstanding new high-grade intercepts. Initial Mineral Resource for newly-discovered LN04a surface on track for release in July 2022.” Highlights include:

• “Recent drilling into the LN04a surface, located in the Golden Mile exploration zone, between the Long and Durkin North mines, has returned further significant new high-grade intersections: ULG-22-045 – 3.7m @ 8.6% Ni. ULG-22-046 – 3.7m @ 6.8% Ni. ULG-22-060 – 5.0m @ 4.5% Ni. ULG-22-027 – 4.7m @ 4.5% Ni
• These latest intercepts have, at a minimum, confirmed the strike and dip extents of the new surface of 550m and 150m respectively, with potential for further expansion identified.
• The LN04a surface continues to reinforce the potential of the Golden Mile zone to host significant high grade nickel mineralisation in close proximity (within 90 metres) to existing underground infrastructure.
• Two diamond drill rigs continue operating underground at the Northern Operations, with drill programs focused on both Golden Mile exploration and grade control drilling.”

On June 23, Mincor Resources announced: “First payment for nickel concentrate received as Mincor delivers production restart on time and below peak funding guidance. Receipt of first cash-flow results in another milestone delivered by Mincor.” Highlights include:

• “Mincor receives net proceeds of A$25.3 million from BHP Nickel West, representing 90% of the payment for nickel concentrate calculated for ore deliveries up to 31 May 2022. Final 10% payment due in August.
• The net proceeds figure is derived from 1,003 tonnes of nickel in concentrate and includes deductions for processing charges and freight rates consistent with the OTCPA with BHP Nickel West.
• Mincor has successfully delivered the project for an actual peak funding outlay of A$98 million, ~8% below the previous estimate of A$107 million (see ASX announcement 7 September 2021). Peak funding represents capital expenditure and working capital costs prior to first sales.
• This outcome represents an outstanding result for Mincor, with the successful delivery of two mining operations developed entirely during the COVID-19 pandemic period.
• Major capital works now predominantly complete, with the new Cassini Village the final outstanding project scheduled for completion early in the December 2022 quarter, and slightly lower than budget.”

Other nickel producers

First Quantum Minerals [TSX:FM] (OTCPK:FQVLF), Franco/Nevada [TSX:FNV], MMG [HK:1208], South32 [ASX:S32], Lundin Mining [TSX:LUN], Nickel Asia Corporation [PSE:NIKL] (OTC:NIKAY), Platinum Group Metals’ [TSX:PTM] (PLG).

Nickel Juniors

Horizonte Minerals Plc [TSX:HZM] [AIM:HZM]

Horizonte is developing its 100% owned Araguaia Nickel Project (Araguaia) as Brazil’s next major ferronickel mine.

No news for the month.

Poseidon Nickel [ASX:POS] (OTC:PSDNF)

No significant news for the month.

Amur Minerals Corp. [LSE:AMC] [GR:A7L] (OTCPK:AMMCF)

On June 7, Amur Minerals Corp. announced: “Kun-Manie Nickel – Copper Sulphide TEO results $333 Million NPV10%, 15.6% IRR.” Highlights include:

• “The TEO Project was compiled by Oreoll LLC (“Oreoll”) and GKZ Russian Federation (“RF”) certified experts from all project disciplines.
• The GKZ expert commission approved a 19 year open pit operational design with revenue generation derived from two saleable concentrates allowing for the recovery of payable values for both copper and nickel. Minor payable amounts for gold, platinum and palladium will also be recovered.
• The design parameters maximise revenue generation to the RF based on fully loaded taxation and royalty schemes. The total Net Present Value (“NPV10%”) deliverable to the RF is projected to be US$ 628 million. This approach does not optimise the financial return to the project operator which is addressed during the next and final requirement of the DEMP, the mine planning stage.
• The GKZ commission reviewed Oreoll’s submission. Necessary adjustments allowing for the identification and approval of operational parameters and considerations, associated capital / operating costs, the revenue generation from the sale of individual nickel and copper concentrates and selected commodity prices were defined. As a result of the expert evaluations, a Life of Mine (“LOM”) cutoff grade (“COG”) was defined to be 0.2% Ni. The annual nominal production rate of 12.4 million ore tonnes was selected.
• Lerchs Grossman open pit production analyses including mining loses and dilution indicate the average LOM ore production grades for delivery to the sulphide flotation plant will be 0.66% Ni, 0.18% Cu, 0.015% Co, 0.05 grammes per tonne (“g/t”) Au, 0.90 g/t Ag, 0.14 g/t Pt and 0.14 gt/ Pd. The total cumulative LOM RF NAEN certified Reserve totals 187.1 million ore tonnes. Approximately 4.6 cubic metres (“m3”) of waste will be extracted per ore tonne.
• The total metal delivered from the mine to the processing plant will be 1.2 million nickel tonnes, 343 thousand copper tonnes, 25.5 thousand tonnes of cobalt, 25.7 tonnes of platinum, 26.5 tonnes of palladium, 9.0 tonnes of gold and 168.5 thousand tonnes of silver.
• The Oreoll and GKZ experts have determined the LOM capital cost estimate is US$ 1.92 billion with US$ 1.14 billion allocated as preproduction and construction costs, US$ 698 million in sustaining costs and US$ 85 million in working capital. The increase in the capital cost estimate from previously reported projections is attributable to the more than doubling of the previous annual operational capacity impacting the expansion of the open pit mining fleet, the addition of a copper recovery circuit within the process plant, tailings expansion, power plant requirements and the need to construct a dual carriage way access road capable of handling the increased mine support and concentrate transport needs. All capital expenditure sectors include contingencies specific to the project and its location.
• Operating costs per ore tonne are projected to be US$ 42.32 including ore and waste mining costs, depreciation and royalties.
• The LOM combined payable metals from the two concentrates total 627 thousand nickel tonnes, 177 thousand copper tonnes, 1.5 tonnes of gold, 3.3 tonnes of platinum and 3.5 tonnes of palladium. The payable metal schedules and all fees are based on confidential metal trading schedules provided by two reputable, recognised industry metals traders.
• Nickel and copper account for 95% of the LOM revenue obtained from the two intermediate nickel and copper intermediate concentrate products. The GKZ approved prices for the primary revenue generators of nickel and copper were US$ 14,468 per Ni tonne (US$ 6.56 per pound) and US$ 6,758 per Cu tonne (US$ 3.07 per pound). Minor credits were included for gold (US$ 58.90 / g), platinum (US$ 34.35 / g) and palladium (US$ 80.75 / g).
• For the 19 year production schedule, the NPV10% is US$ 333 million with an Internal Rate of Return (“IRR”) of 15.6%. The payback period for the 12.4 million ore tonne per year operation is projected to be 5.5 years.”

Talon Metals [TSX:TLO] (OTCPK:TLOFF) Tamarack – (JV with Rio Tinto)

Tamarack is a high grade nickel-copper-cobalt project located in Minnesota, USA, with considerable exploration upside. Talon Metals owns a 51% project share, with potential to further earn-in to a 60% share by 2026.

No significant news for the month.

Garibaldi Resources [TSXV:GGI] [GR:RQM] [LN:OUX6] (OTCPK:GGIFF)

No news for the month.

OZ Minerals [ASX:OZL] (OTCPK:OZMLF)

Owns the West Musgrave nickel-copper project in Western Australia as well as several other mines.

On June 24, OZ Minerals announced: “Novamera and OZ Minerals enter into Memorandum of Understanding.” Highlights include:

• “…Assess the potential of deploying Novamera’s technology within OZ Minerals’ project portfolio.
• Collaboratively evaluate potential project opportunities.
• Co-develop collateral to articulate the operational experience and value proposition associated with Novamera’s technology.”

St George Mining Ltd. [ASX:SGQ] [GR:SOG]

The Cathedrals, Stricklands and Investigators nickel-copper discoveries (at Mt Alexander) are located on E29/638, which is held in joint venture by Western Areas Limited (25%) and St George (75%). St George is the Manager of the Project with Western Areas retaining a 25% non-contributing interest in the Project (in regard to E29/638 only) until there is a decision to mine.

On June 23, St George Mining Ltd. announced:

Exploration update for St George Mining. Paterson drilling logs copper sulphide; Priority drill targets for Ni-Cu-PGEs emerging from geophysics at Mt Alexander and Ajana…

Sama Resources [TSXV: SME] [GR;8RS] (OTCPK:SAMMF)

On June 1, Sama Resources announced:

Sama enters into Share Purchase Agreement for sale of 4,000,000 shares in SRG Mining Inc… After the closing date, Sama will then own 15,180,377 common shares of SRG, representing 13.356% of the issued and outstanding shares of SRG.

Premium Nickel Resources Corporation [TSXV:”stock ticker to be named soon”] – includes the merged North American Nickel company [TSXV:NAN]

No significant news for the month.

Canada Nickel Company [TSXV:CNC](OTCQB:CNIKF)

On June 7, Canada Nickel Company announced:

Canada Nickel completes additional property acquisitions. Mark Selby, Chair and Chief Executive Officer said, “The acquisition of Bannockburn is highly complementary to our southern cluster of properties at Sothman, Midlothian, and Powell. The Bannockburn “B” zone has already been successfully tested for 600 metres of its total 1.3 kilometre strike length with multiple intervals in excess of 0.3% nickel and has smaller, higher grade potential at other zones on the property. Historical mineral processing work confirmed presence of heazlewoodite, similar to Crawford, and the ability to generate a 35% nickel concentrate.”

On June 27, Canada Nickel Company announced: “Canada Nickel company announces assay results and confirms discovery at Reid Property.” Highlights include:

• “Assays achieved expected grades over entire core length of 354 metres: 0.24% nickel including 15 metres of 0.39% nickel and 6 metres of 0.57% nickel.
• Confirmed same mineralogy as Company’s flagship Crawford Project.
• Reid property has larger geophysical footprint than Crawford.
• Crawford resource update expected to be released by July 6, 2022.”

Investors can view a CEO video here, or a CEO interview here on Trend Investing.

Giga Metals [TSXV:GIGA][FSE: BRR2] (OTCQX:HNCKF)

No news for the month.

Ardea Resources [ASX:ARL] (OTCPK:ARRRF)

On June 14, Ardea Resources announced:

Kalgoorlie Nickel Project feasibility study update… The total KNP Mineral Resource Estimate is now 830Mt at 0.71% Ni and 0.046%Co (5.9Mt nickel, 380kt cobalt1). This is a world-significant asset located in an infrastructure-rich location, with independent assessment as the best operating jurisdiction in the world. Ardea continues to receive a high level of interest from groups wanting to secure sustainable and ethical nickel-cobalt offtake. Offtake remains linked to the Strategic Partner process and working with Ardea to complete the DFS, secure project development funding and building a globally significant battery minerals business. With the increase in corporate activity relating to the Strategic Partner process, Ardea has appointed a full-time CFO, Rebecca Moylan who we welcome to the Ardea Team.

Centaurus Metals Limited [ASX:CTM] (OTC:CTTZF)

Centaurus Metals is an Australian-based minerals exploration company focused on the near-term development of the Jaguar Nickel Sulphide Project, in Northern Brazil.

No significant news for the month.

The Metals Company (TMC)

No significant news for the month.

Widgie Nickel [ASX:WIN]

On June 27 Widgie Nickel reported:

High-grade nickel sulphide discovery at Gillett North. Highlights

• Assays from first exploration hole drilled confirm an outstanding high-grade nickel sulphide discovery at Gillett North with multiple high-grade intercepts of massive and semi-massive nickel sulphides

• Significant intersections from MERC225 include: 12 metres at 3.40% Ni from 200 metres downhole…18 metres at 4.69% Ni from 246 metres downhole… 2 metres at 1.26% Ni from 277 metres downhole

• Drilling confirms resource growth potential for Gillett along strike to the north-west

• Potential massive sulphide body identified in downhole electromagnetic surveys, drilling planned

• Gillett and Gillett North mineralisation covers a strike extent of 1,150 metres and remains open along strike and down dip…

Other Juniors

Artemis Resources [ASV:ARV], Australian Mines [ASX:AUZ], Blackstone Minerals [ASX:BSX], Cassini Resources [ASX: CZI] (OTC:CSSQF), Class 1 Nickel and Technologies Ltd. [CSE:NICO] (OTCQB:NICLF), Electra Battery Materials [TSXV:ELBM] (ELBMF) (Electra Battery Materials Park), Electric Royalties [TSXV:ELEC], Flying Nickel Mining Corp. [TSXV:FLYN], FPX Nickel [TSXV:FPX], Grid Metals Corp [TSXV:GRDM], Group Ten Metals Inc. [TSXV:PGE] (OTCQB:PGEZF), Go Metals [CSE:GOCO] (OTCQB:GOCOF), Horizonte Minerals Plc [TSXV:HZM] [LON:HZM] (OTCPK:HZMMF), Huntsman Exploration [TSXV:HMAN] (OTCPK:BBBMF), Inomin Mines [TSXV:MINE], Jervois Global Limited [ASX:JRV] (OTCPK:JRVMF), New Age Metals [TXV:NAM], Nickel Creek Platinum [TSX:NCP] (OTCQX:NCPCF), Pancontinental Resources Corporation [TSXV:PUC], Polymet Mining [TSX:POM], Power Nickel [TSXV:PNPN] (OTCQB:CMETF), Renforth Resources [CSE:RFR] (OTCQB:RFHRF), Rox Resources [ASX:RXL], S2 Resources (ASX:S2R), Sunrise Energy Metals [ASX:SRL] (OTCQX:SREMF), Surge Battery Metals Inc. [TSXV:NILI] [FRA:DJ5C] (OTCPK:NILIF), Talisman Mining Ltd. [ASX:TLM], Tartisan Nickel Corp. [CSE:TN] (OTCPK:TTSRF), Transition Metals [TSXV:XTM], URU Metals Ltd. [LSE:URU] [GR:NVRA], Wall Bridge Mining [TSX:WM], and Zeb Nickel Corp. [TSXV:ZBNI] (ZBNIF).

Note: Some of the above companies are covered in the Cobalt monthly news.

Conclusion

Nickel spot prices were lower last month and LME inventory was lower.

Highlights for the month were:

• Where next for nickel? It has been an extraordinarily volatile year for the nickel market. Class 1 nickel for EV batteries looks to have deficits ahead in the mid-long term.
• BMI: The energy storage revolution has arrived. Nickel sulphate supply will approach 500,000t in 2022, > than 3.5x increase over a 5 year period.
• S.Korea’s LG Energy Solution launches nickel processing plants in Indonesia.
• Vale has concluded the PFS for a proposed nickel sulphate facility in Bécancour, Quebec, Canada.
• IGO Limited completes Western Areas scheme of arrangement.
• Panoramic Resources fourth concentrate shipment of 10,489t of nickel copper-cobalt concentrate from Savannah completed.
• ‘Nickel Mines Limited’ change of name to ‘Nickel Industries Limited’.
• Nickel 28: Ramu production of 31,594 tonnes of contained nickel and 2,953 tonnes of contained cobalt in mixed hydroxide (MHP) places Ramu as the number one producer of MHP globally.
• Mincor Resources first payment for nickel concentrate received as delivers production restart on time and below peak funding guidance.
• Amur Minerals Kun-Manie Nickel – Copper Sulphide TEO results $333m NPV10%, 15.6% IRR. Initial CapEx estimate of US$ 1.14 billion.
• Sama Resources enters into Share Purchase Agreement for sale of 4,000,000 shares in SRG Mining Inc.
• Canada Nickel completes additional property acquisitions, confirms nickel discovery at Reid Property.
• Widgie Nickel reports high-grade nickel sulphide discovery at Gillett North, including 18 metres at 4.69% Ni from 246 metres downhole.

As usual, all comments are welcome.