Inspenet, August 4, 2023.
First Quantum Minerals Ltd. has started production at Africa’s largest nickel mine, positioning Zambia as a major supplier of metals for batteries used in the electric vehicle revolution.
The Enterprise mine, located in the northwestern province of the country, has started production and the new concentrator plant is expected to be operational early next month, the Canadian company said in a statement. First Quantum decided last year to invest an additional $100 million to complete the project.
The largest nickel mine in Africa
First Quantum project manager Axel Köttgen said the mine is expected to reach an annual production of 32,000 tonnes of nickel over the next two years , making Zambia the main nickel producer on the continent. Nickel is an essential component in the manufacture of batteries for electric vehicles , especially high-performance ones, being highly demanded by countries like the United States and China, which seek to ensure the supply of key minerals for batteries.
Last year, the company also approved a $1.25bn expansion project for its Kansanshi copper mine in Zambia, following a government commitment to create a more stable and predictable investment environment.
Source: https://www.redimin.cl/first-quantum-inicia-la-produccion-de-la-mayor-mina-de-niquel-de-africa/
