Kalgoorlie secures major project status renewal

AUSTRALIA

Kalgoorlie secures major project status renewal

Ardea Resources says that its Kalgoorlie Nickel Project in Western Australia has secured a crucial renewal of its major project status from the federal government for another three years, underscoring the project’s strategic importance, granting it streamlined approvals and direct access to the country’s major project facilitation agency. Located 80 km from Kalgoorlie, the project hosts what Ardea says is the world’s largest undeveloped nickel-cobalt resource, containing 854 million tonnes averaging 0.71% (6.1 million tonnes) of nickel and 0.045% (386,000 tonnes) of cobalt.

The company is currently working towards publishing a definitive feasibility study on the project, which is fully funded by Ardea’s heavyweight Japanese partners Sumitomo Metal Mining and Mitsubishi Corporation. A 2023 pre-feasibility study envisages producing 30,000 t/a of nickel over a 40 year project lifespan, using high-pressure acid leach (HPAL) technology. Partnership deals are in place for 75% of the project offtake, for use in electric vehicle (EV) battery and stainless steel markets.

Managing Director and CEO Andrew Penkethman said: “On behalf of Ardea, I extend my sincere thanks to the Australian Federal Government and the Major Projects Facilitation Agency for renewing Major Project Status for the KNP. This renewal reaffirms the strategic and economic importance of the Kalgoorlie Nickel Project. It ensures continued support in streamlining regulatory pathways, enhancing approvals coordination, and maintaining access to project-enabling funding avenues.”