9 Nov 2010 18:54

Norilsk reopens Nkomati enrichment plant

MOSCOW. Nov 9 (Interfax) - MMC Norilsk Nickel has reopened the ore concentrator at the company's Nkomati mine in South Africa, Norilsk said in a press release.

"The concentrator that was put under reconstruction in July 2010 was put into operation ahead of schedule. The capacity of the upgraded concentrator in terms of ore processing increased from 100,000 tonnes per month to 250,000 tonnes per month. Total rated capacity of both Nkomati concentrators reaches 7.5 million tonnes of ore per year," the press release says.

It is expected that in 2010 Nkomati mine will produce 12,300 tonnes of Ni in concentrate and 6,400 tonnes of copper in concentrate.

Norilsk acquired a 50% interest in Nkomati in the LionOre acquisition. Nkomati is South Africa's sole primary nickel producer. It also produces PMG.

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