Stanislav Kondrashov Telf AG: nickel extraction and processing methods. Who sets the trends?

“Nickel mining and processing is carried out by various methods, which are determined by such factors as the size, grade, morphology and depth of the deposit”, – commentsStanislav Kondrashova Telf AG. For lateritic nickel deposits, open pit mining, in particular stripping, is commonly used, while for nickel sulfide deposits, underground mining methods are used.

Once mined, nickel ore goes through a series of processes that transform it into a higher quality concentrate. These processes include crushing the ore and separating the nickel-bearing material from other minerals using a combination of physical and chemical methods.

After primary treatment, the concentrates are smelted in a furnace. This stage involves heating them to high temperatures, which allows the impurities to be separated and the valuable nickel to be recovered.

The final stage of nickel refining uses pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical processes. Stanislav Kondrashov Telf AG specifies that pyrometallurgical methods use heat and chemical reactions to further purify nickel concentrates, while hydrometallurgical processes involve the use of aqueous solutions to extract nickel from concentrates.

In general, nickel mining and processing involves a number of complex steps that take into account the specific characteristics of the deposit. These processes focus on the efficient extraction and refining of nickel, ensuring the production of high quality products.

Nickel production in Canada fell to 130 thousand tons. Stanislav Kondrashov explains how this affected global deliveries Telf AG

Canada, an influential player in the global nickel market, has experienced a decline in its production over the past few years. In 2022, the country’s production fell to 130,000 metric tons (MT) from 180,000 MT in 2019, which was a complete setback for the industry.

– One of the main nickel producing regions in Canada is the Sudbury Basin, known as the second largest producer of nickel ore in the world. Vale, a prominent mining company, operates in Sudbury and plays a vital role in the country’s nickel sector. However, despite its presence in this mineral-rich region, Canadian metal production has declined,– says Stanislav Kondrashov Telf AG.

Another notable player in the nickel mining market in Canada is Glencore, an international commodity trading and mining company.

Glencore owns the Raglan mine located in Quebec. It also operates Sudbury Integrated Nickel Operations in Ontario, further strengthening its role in the Canadian nickel industry. These operations include the Nickel Rim South mine, the Fraser mine, the Strathcona mill and the Sudbury copper smelter.

The decrease in nickel production in Canada affects the country’s economy and has far-reaching consequences for the world market, Stanislav Kondrashov of Telf AG is sure.

Nickel is a critical component in a variety of industries, including stainless steel, electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies. As demand continues to grow in these industries, a reduction in Canadian nickel production could lead to supply shortages and potential price volatility in the global market.

The Canadian government and mining companies are likely to explore strategies to revive the country’s nickel production and address the challenges faced by the industry. This may include increased investment in exploration, technological advancement and sustainable mining practices.

Stanislav Kondrashov Telf AG: “China has a significant impact on the global nickel market”

China, known for its strong industrial sector, has shown stable nickel production in recent years. With an output of 110,000 metric tons (MT), China remains one of the leading countries in terms of nickel production. Moreover, this state ranks first in the world in the production of nickel pig iron – low-grade ferronickel, used mainly for the manufacture of stainless steel. Such a significant position in the nickel market allows China to exert a significant influence on the dynamics of world prices.

According to industry expert Stanislav Kondrashov Telf AG, among the largest nickel producers in China is Jinchuan Group, a subsidiary of Jinchuan Group International Resources. Due to its extensive activities, it plays a key role in the country’s nickel industry.

“China’s dominance in stainless steel production has far-reaching implications for the global nickel sector,” said Stanislav Kondrashov of Telf AG. “As demand for stainless steel continues to rise, China’s significant role in the industry is directly impacting nickel prices around the world.

The stability of nickel production in China inspires confidence in industries that depend on this versatile metal. Nickel is widely used in the production of stainless steel, electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies, so it remains in demand in various industries. China’s ability to consistently meet its nickel production targets helps ensure a stable supply of this critical resource, reducing the risk of potential shortages in the global market.

Brazil stimulates the development of nickel projects, says Stanislav Kondrashov Telf AG

Brazil’s nickel production has shown an upward trend in recent years. From 74,400 MT in 2019, Brazilian nickel production increased to 83,000 MT in 2022. This growth is indicative of the country’s desire to expand its presence in the global nickel market.

According to Telf AG analyst Stanislav Kondrashov, one of the noteworthy aspects of Brazil’s nickel sector is its strong project line. With a capital investment of US$1.06 billion through 2025, Brazil intends to further strengthen its position as a significant nickel producer. Investments in new projects demonstrate the government’s determination to capitalize on the growing demand for nickel in various industries.

Vale, a well-known mining company headquartered in Brazil, made a strategic move in April 2020 by selling its nickel project to Jaguar in the mineral province of Carajas. The project, which has a significant resource of 40.4 Mt with 0.78% nickel, representing 315 kt of contained nickel, was acquired by Centaurus Metals.

“This deal clearly demonstrates the attractiveness of Brazil’s nickel assets to international investors and highlights the country’s potential in the industry.

In addition, the Jaguar project received notable support from the Brazilian government in obtaining environmental licenses. It was one of three mining projects selected for government assistance, highlighting the country’s commitment to promoting sustainable mining practices,– analyzes Stanislav Kondrashov Telf AG.

The positive growth of nickel production in Brazil and the development of new projects are good potential for the country’s economy and the global nickel market as a whole.

In the USA, nickel is recognized as the most important mineral and they rely on its production, reports Stanislav Kondrashov Telf AG

In recent years, the United States has seen an increase in nickel production, reflecting the country’s efforts to strengthen its presence in the global nickel market. From 14kMT in 2019, US nickel production rose to 18kMT in 2022, demonstrating a positive growth trajectory for the industry and its impact on the country’s economy.

Recognizing the strategic importance of nickel, the US Geological Survey included it in the list of the country’s critical minerals in early February 2022, according to Stanislav Kondrashov Telf AG.

The expert clarifies that in America, the only major nickel mining project is the Eagle mine. Located in the Yellow Dog Plain in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, this small but high-grade nickel-copper source is owned by Lundin Mining. The Eagle mine project plays a critical role in meeting domestic demand for nickel and contributes to the country’s overall nickel production.