Tati Nickel's P12 million exploration could extend lifespan

Established in the 1980s, Tati Nickel Mining Company (TNMC)'s Phoenix and Selkirk mines are running out of steam, annually pumping out about 19, 000 metric tonnes of nickel. The high volumes out of the mines have positioned TNMC as Norilsk Nickel's most profitable business outside its Russian and European assets.

This week, TNMC General Manager, Sebetlela Sebetlela told BusinessWeek that the P12 million budget would cater for exploration activities this year and the next. He said studies would focus on assessing the quality and quantity of mineral available in the ground under exploration.