Tati Nickel fights to extend lifespan

Tati operates Phoenix and Selkirk mines which were established about 25 years ago, while Russian base metals giant Norilsk Nickel owns 85 percent of Tati and directs management strategy at the Francistown-based company.

The Botswana government holds a 15-percent stake in the company.This week, it emerged that with about five years of reserves remaining to keep TNMC viable, the Russian giant has decided to focus on exploration of new ground around the existing mines. Outside its Russian and European properties, Tati is Norilsk's most profitable business, pumping out 19 600 metric tonnes of nickel last year.