Posted on 29 Feb 2024
Mining giant Glencore announced it has opened a new mine in Quebec, Canada, that will extend the life of the nickel-copper Raglan operation to 2040 and beyond.
The Anuri mine, whose expected output has not been disclosed, has been under development for over ten years. It is part of the two-phase Sivumut project, which consists of the expansion of the existing Qakimajurk mine, completed in 2021, and the opening of Anuri. Mining is expected to take place from 2020 to 2035, Kallanish learns.
“This project was a challenge on every level, particularly given the pandemic, the Arctic climate and numerous logistical challenges,” comments Jean-François Verret, Glencore’s director for projects, geology and exploration. “Nevertheless, we completed the Sivumut project ahead of schedule, under budget and with everyone’s safety at the heart of every step.”
It is not clear how much investment the Anuri mine required, but in 2018, the company provided over CAD 600 million ($441m) in financing for the launch of two mines in the Sivumut project – PM8 and Anuri.
The Raglan mine, which began operations in 1997, extends to almost 70 kilometres and holds a series of high-grade deposits, mainly nickel and copper. It was the first mining project in Canada to sign an impact and benefits agreement with an indigenous group, the Raglan Agreement, in 1995.
Now, Glencore claims that the Sivumut project is also an opportunity to strengthen its partnerships with Nunavimmiut, the people of Nunavik, especially the communities of Salluit and Kangiqsujuaq. Of the 1,400 employees of the Raglan mine, 17% come from local Inuit communities.
As of 2023, the Raglan mine had total ore reserves of 15m tonnes, including 2.54m t of nickel, 0.72m t of copper, and 0.06m t of cobalt. A spokesperson did not reveal the mine’s current production capacity.
Source:Kallanish
