Australian producer Pacific Nickel Mines has decided to load its first 60,000 tonnes of nickel ore to global mining company Canon. This important milestone marks a significant strategic partnership between Pacific Nickel Mines and Glencore.
Nickel ore from its Kolosori project on Isabel Island in the Solomon Islands will initially be loaded onto four 3,000-tonne barges, according to a Pacific Nickel statement released on 14 December. The barges will be responsible for transporting the ore to Canon. Canon has arranged for a transport vessel, which is expected to arrive at its destination on 19 December.
According to Pacific Nickel, the average nickel grade is expected to exceed 1.75 per cent. The nickel ore will likely be sold to Canon's customers in China, the company said. Further shipments will be made in due course as inventory builds up.
This partnership is certainly a major breakthrough for Pacific Nickel Mining. In the market environment, it is significant in enhancing the company's competitiveness, expanding its market share and strengthening its co-operation with international mining giants. At the same time, this event will also have a certain impact on the global nickel market, bringing new sources of supply to the market.
