PNR expects 2026 start date for BCL
Tuesday, October 17, 2023 | 3070 Views |

Glory days: BCL Mine was the country’s primary base metals producer prior to its closure in 2016
In an update to investors last week, PNRL directors said construction of a new mill for the Selebi shaft would begin in the third quarter of 2025, with commissioning of the mill and operations kicking off in the last quarter of 2026.
Between now and then, the Canadian firm plans to finalise hydrometallurgical studies, conduct further underground drilling, exploration, make upgrades to existing shafts and upgrade dated resource figures for the various resources it holds in the BCL Ltd group.
In June, PNRL secured 33.9 million Canadian dollars (P343m) in funding for its various activities and directors last week said the planned ramp-up to direction was on course.
At Selkirk, the underground mine at Tati Nickel which closed in 2002, PNRL plans to pump in millions towards various studies including the production of an updated mineral resource.
A pre-feasibility study for Selkirk is due out in the second quarter of 2025, directors said.
Premium Nickel Resources Botswana snapped up the Selebi and Selebi North shafts, as well as Selkirk Mine from government, in a deal pegged at P837 million last year. The transaction includes related infrastructure such as rail, power and water works as well as a pledge to spend P5 billion in reviving the assets that have been mothballed since 2016.
While every citizen, including the Head of State, has the right to voice opinions, the tone and context of the President’s comments were regrettably dismissive and risk chilling free expression in our country. The remarks are not isolated. They form part of a disturbing pattern of public attacks on independent institutions pillars essential to the healthy functioning of our democracy. The Judiciary, the Legislature, and now the media have all...