Ore Supply

Transforming Waste into Revenue: The TECH Projects’ Limonite Ore Processing Capabilities

Nickel ore bodies have two distinct layers: the limonite zone (top layer) which is iron rich and the saprolite zone (bottom layer) which is magnesium rich.

The majority of the world’s nickel ore trade is for saprolite ore, which is processed in Nickel Pig Iron (NPI) plants. However, the TECH Project has targeted limonite ore feed, which is in abundance and has limited competition with other buyers, as it is traditionally considered a waste material.

New Caledonia is one of the largest suppliers of high-grade nickel ore globally. QPM is working with its partners in New Caledonia, Société Le Nickel (SLN), Société des Mines de la Tontouta (SMT) and Société Minière Georges Montagnat (SMGM), to supply ore for the TECH Project. At current design levels, the TECH Project requires approximately 1,600,000 wet metric tonnes of nickel ore per annum.

       

Offering a long-term solution for processing limonite, the TECH Project is beneficial for both the project and the ore supplier. This mutually beneficial partnership allows for responsible sourcing of raw materials while also providing economic benefits for the ore supplier.