[SMM summary] how much do you know about the world's large nickel mining companies? A glimpse of nickel production in 2019

Glencore

Company introduction and main business:

Glencore is one of the largest diversified natural resources companies in the world. Founded in the 1970s, it is a trading company that has grown into a major commodity producer and marketer with 160000 employees worldwide. Operations include approximately 150 mining and metallurgical plants as well as oil production assets. The company produces and sells various metals and minerals, such as copper, cobalt, zinc, nickel and ferroalloys. In terms of nickel, the company is a leading producer and distributor of nickel, with assets in Australia, Canada and Europe, Glencore produces some of the purest nickel in the world, and is one of the largest recyclers and processors of nickel-containing materials, including batteries. Glencore's marketing business involves nickel metals as well as concentrates, intermediates and ferronickel. Other metals are also produced as by-products of nickel production, including cobalt, copper, precious metals and platinum group metals.

The output of the company:

According to Glencore's results for the fourth quarter of 2019, the company produced 120600 tons of nickel in 2019, a decrease of 3200 tons, or 3%, from 2018, mainly due to a large number of maintenance outages at Koniambo, including crane failures in December 2019.

List of specific nickel projects (statistics as of 2019):

Nickel integrated operation (INO): 's own nickel production was 60300 tons, the same as in 2018. Self-owned copper production increased by 2800 tons, or 7%, to 44200 tons, but due to the depletion of existing Sudbury mines, the transition to the new Sudbury project is currently under construction.

Murrin:Murrin 's own nickel production was 36600 tonnes, an increase of 1100 tonnes, or 3 per cent, over 2018. The output of 3400 tons of cobalt purchased by oneself increased by 500 tons, or 17%, reflecting strong factory performance and higher grades.

Koniambo: nickel production was 23700 tons, a decrease of 4600 tons, or 16 percent, compared with 2018, mainly reflecting some maintenance shutdowns, mainly in the first half of the 10200 tons, while in the second half of the year, it increased 32 percent over the same period last year to 13500 tons.

Norilsk Nickel

Company introduction and main business:

NORILSK NICKEL is a leading Russian metals and mining company, the largest manufacturer of palladium and refined nickel, and one of the largest producers of platinum and copper. The group also produces cobalt, rhodium, silver, gold, iridium, ruthenium, selenium, tellurium and sulfur. The core business of the Nornickel Group is the exploration, mining, concentration and processing of ores in the production, sale and co-sale of non-ferrous and precious metals. The products are supplied to more than 30 countries. The group's production units are located in Russia (Norilsk Industrial Zone, Kola Peninsula and Lake Baikal region), Finland, Australia and South Africa. Among them, nickel:

Norilsk Nickel Harjavalta became part of the group in 2007. It handles the company's Russian raw materials and nickel-containing raw materials from external suppliers. 66 ktpa's plant uses sulfuric acid leaching, an advanced process with a metal recovery rate of more than 98 per cent. The Group holds licenses to develop honeymoon well projects, including: fields dotted with nickel sulphide mines (Hannibal, Khalil, Corellia and Haraka), and wedge tailings (Wedgetail Field) to accommodate solid and vein ores. In South Africa, Nornickel owns a 50 per cent stake in Nkomati, a nickel mining company. In addition to production facilities, the company also has its own sales network, fuel and energy companies, transport assets, research and development institutions and a unique Arctic freight fleet.

The output of the company:

In 2019, comprehensive nickel production increased by 5% year-on-year to 229 kt, due to the gradual increase in the number of nickel refineries using new chlorine leaching technology, the expansion of carbonyl ji nickel production and the start-up of low-grade nickel concentrate production to be sold to third parties in Kola MMC and more third-party raw materials are processed in Norilsk Nickel Harjavalta. Of these, nickel production increased by 8 per cent to 62 kt, in the fourth quarter of 2019, almost entirely from Russian-owned raw materials, due to increased production of nickel concentrates sold to third parties and the expansion of nickel production capacity of Kola MMC carbonyl ji.

The company's own total Russian raw material nickel production of 225 kt, is in line with the highest level of production guidance for 220 kt in 2019.

Guidelines for the production of Russian raw materials in 2020:

List of specific nickel projects (statistics as of 2019):

Russian business: in 2019, all salable metals produced by the company's Russian business come from its own raw materials. , Kola MMC nickel production increased by 13% to 46 kt, in the fourth quarter the significant increase in nickel production was due to an increase in nickel concentrate production sold to third parties and the expansion of Coke MMC carbonyl ji nickel production capacity to 1.7 kt, quarter-on-quarter increase. In 2019, the company's nickel production in Russia increased by 5% year-on-year to 166 kt, mainly due to the gradual increase in nickel refineries using the new chlorine leaching technology, the expansion of, Kola MMC carbonyl ji nickel production to 4.4 kt (a year-on-year increase of 75%) and the start of the production of low-grade nickel concentrate for sale to third parties in Kola MMC.

NORILSK NICKEL HARJAVALTA (Finland): nickel production at the Norilsk Nickel Plant fell by 5 per cent to 16kt in the fourth quarter of 2019 from the previous quarter, due to the suspension of production for three days in November 2019 as a result of a scheduled "solidarity" strike in Finland in support of postal workers. Harjavalta's nickel production rose 3 per cent year-on-year to 62 kt in 2019. The increase is attributable to an increase in nickel feeds received from Boliden for further processing.

Output:

Anglo-American resources

Company introduction and main business:

Anglo American is the world's leading mining company, and its products play an important role in all aspects of modern life. Anglo American's portfolio covers world-class mining operations and rich ore reserves, providing metal and mineral products to developed and developing countries to meet their fast-growing consumer demand, and making the world cleaner, greener and more sustainable. Anglo American explores new resources through innovative practices and cutting-edge technologies, and provides mining, processing, transportation and product marketing services to customers around the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable manner. Anglo American's products include diamonds (de Beers Group), copper, platinum group metals, iron ore, coking coal, thermal coal and nickel. As a responsible mining company, Anglo American extremely cherishes its precious mineral resources. Anglo American works with business partners and diversified stakeholders to optimize mineral resources, create long-term value for shareholders, and strive to benefit the country, the community and society as a whole. Anglo American is committed to redefining the mining industry and improving people's lives.

The output of the company:

According to Anglo American's financial report for the fourth quarter of 2019, Anglo CEO Mark Cutifani said the company had achieved its full-year production target across its business unit, increasing production by 4% in the quarter, thanks to the continued success of Minas-Rio in Brazil. The drought in Chile affected Los Bronces's water supply, offset by an increase in metallurgical coal production in Australia, and decreased production in de Beers as Venetia transitioned underground to South Africa and Victor ended the life of mines in Canada and Minas-Rio tailings dam viaduct license is scheduled to be obtained by the end of 2019. Among them, nickel production in 2019 was 42600 tons, an increase of 1% over the same period in 2018. Nickel production in the fourth quarter of 2019 was 11700t, an increase of 3% over the same period in 2018, reflecting the improvement in operational stability, with production guidance unchanged at 42000,000,000 tons in 2020.

Production Guide for 2020:

Vale

Company introduction and main business:

Is a Brazilian multinational company specializing in metal smelting and mining, and is one of the largest logistics companies in Brazil. Vale is the world's second largest mining company, the world's largest supplier of iron ore (ore) and the largest supplier of nickel. One of the main negotiators in the global iron ore price negotiations. In terms of nickel, Vale is the second largest nickel producer in the world. Nickel Vale has nickel mines and plants in Brazil, Canada, Indonesia and New Caledonia, as well as wholly-owned and joint venture refineries in China, South Korea, Japan, the United Kingdom and Taiwan. A wide range of products can meet the diversified needs of nickel consumers.

The output of the company:

Finished nickel production reached 208 kt, in 2019, down 15.0% from 2018, mainly due to reduced feed from third parties and reduced raw ore from Thompson and VNC, the latter due to the limited supply of operating assets of the processing plant in that year due to the decline in production of On ç aPuma, which was authorized to resume mining and processing activities in September 2019. Nickel operations were also affected during the year due to the maintenance shutdown of the refinery. These operations have been resumed and are now running at a normal rate. Among them, the output of finished nickel reached 56.7 kt, in the fourth quarter of 2019, an increase of 10.3% over the third quarter of 1919 and a decrease of 11.4% over the fourth quarter of last year. The growth in the third quarter of 2019 was mainly due to the resumption of normal production of On ç a Puma and increased production at Copper Cliff and Clydach refineries following maintenance activities. Nickel sales were 47.0 kt in the fourth quarter of 2019, 7.7% lower than in the third quarter of 2019, as a result of management's decision to retain inventory to improve market conditions. Overall, sales of 205.7 kt, in 2019 were down 13.0% from 2018, reflecting a decline in production. VNC's refining of the feed into nickel oxide will stop in April 2020 as part of a process to improve short-term cash flow. By simplifying this process, VNC's nickel product portfolio will consist only of nickel hydroxide cakes. Vale's nickel production guide for 2020 is 200Muth210 kt.

Output:

List of specific nickel projects (statistics as of 2019):

Canadian operations: after carrying out planned and unplanned maintenance activities earlier this year, the, Copper Cliff and Clydach refineries operated at normal prices in the fourth quarter of 2019, which had a positive impact on production during the period.

The output of Sudbury raw ore reached 15.3 kt, in the fourth quarter of 19, an increase of 15.0% and 8.5% respectively over the third quarter of 2019 and the fourth quarter of 2018, reflecting the full resumption of operation of the Copper Cliff and Clydach refineries in the fourth quarter of 19. The increase in production compared with the fourth quarter of 2018 was mainly due to the strong performance of Sudbury.

Thompson raw mine production reached 2.8 kt, in the fourth quarter of 2019, up 3.7 per cent and 47.4 per cent respectively over the third quarter of 19 and the fourth quarter of 2018. The increase is mainly due to the full transition of Thompson to mine operations in 2018, inventory reduction time throughout the supply chain, and the resumption of full capacity production at both Copper Cliff and Clydach refineries in the fourth quarter of 2019.

Production of the Voisey Bay Raw Mine reached 8.0 kt, in the fourth quarter of 2019, down 8.0% and 27.9% from the third quarter of 2019 and the fourth quarter of 2018, respectively. The lower production than the previous period is mainly due to the planned maintenance activities of the Long Harbour refinery in October.

Finished nickel production of (PTVI): PTVI, an Indonesian business, reached 20.7 kt, in the fourth quarter of 2019, 11.9 per cent higher than in the third quarter of 2019 and 4.0 per cent higher in the fourth quarter of 2018. As the Clydach refinery resumed full operation after previously planned and unplanned maintenance activities in the previous quarter, production was higher than in the third quarter of 2019, resulting in an increase in PTVI raw material consumption. Matte nickel (Nickel in matte) production at the PTVI plant reached 20.5 kt, in the fourth quarter of 19, the same as in the third quarter of 2019 and the fourth quarter of 2018.

New Caledonia (VNC): VNC's finished nickel production reached 4.8 kt, in the fourth quarter of 2019, 25.0 per cent and 42.2 per cent lower than in the third quarter of 2019 and the fourth quarter of 2018, respectively. Production was lower than in the same period last year due to the limited operating assets of the processing plant in the fourth quarter of 2019. VNC's refining of the feed into nickel oxide will stop in April 2020 as part of a process to improve short-term cash flow. By simplifying this process, VNC's nickel product portfolio will consist only of nickel hydroxide cakes.

The output of nickel oxide and nickel hydroxide cakes at the VNC plant reached 6.9 kt, in the fourth quarter of 1919, 9.5% higher than in the third quarter of 1919 and 21.5% lower than in the fourth quarter of 2018. Nickel oxide accounted for 79% of VNC's production in the fourth quarter of 2019, and nickel hydroxide accounted for 21%.

Production in Brazil (On ç a Puma): On ç a Puma) reached 3.3 kt, in the fourth quarter of 2019, an increase of 3.2 kt, compared to the third quarter of 2019 and a decrease of 40.0% compared to the fourth quarter of 2018. Mining activities in On ç aPuma have been suspended since 2017. As a result of the favourable decision of the Court, mining and processing activities resumed in September 2019, with production higher than in the third quarter of 2019. With the increase in mining activity throughout the year, it is expected to see the positive impact of better raw material grades.

PT ANTAM TBK

Company introduction and main business:

ANTAM is a vertically integrated, export-oriented, diversified mining and metals company. ANTAM operates in the mineral-rich Indonesian archipelago, from exploration, excavation and processing to the sales of nickel, ferronickel, gold, silver, bauxite and coal. The company has long-term loyal blue-chip customers in Europe and Asia. Because of the company's vast licensed exploration area and large amounts of high-quality reserves and resources, ANTAM has formed a number of joint ventures with international partners to advantageously develop geological orebodies into profitable mines.

The output of the company:

According to PT ANTAM TBK's financial report for the fourth quarter of 2019, ANTAM's nickel production in 2019 was used as ore feedstock for ANTAM Nickel-Iron Plant and sold to domestic third-party smelters and export markets, totaling 8.69 million wet metric tons of (Wmt). In the fourth quarter of 2019, nickel ore production was 1.3 million wet metric tons of (Wmt). In 2019, ANTAM sold 7.56 million wet metric tons of (Wmt). In the fourth quarter of 2019, nickel mine sales were 2.05 million wet metric tons of (Wmt).

Sherritt

Company introduction and main business:

Sherritt is one of the world's largest producers of laterite nickel, with operations and investments in Canada, Cuba and Madagascar. Sherritt is proud to be a leading low-cost manufacturer that brings sustainable prosperity to our employees, investors and the community in which we operate. Sherritt is also Cuba's largest independent energy producer, with a wide range of oil and power operations on the island.

The output of the company:

Its Moa joint venture produced 33108 tons of nickel and 3376 tons of cobalt in 2019. The production of finished nickel and cobalt in the fourth quarter of 2019 was 8098 tons and 822 tons, respectively. The total reflects the success of the strategy implemented by Sherritt during the quarter to offset the negative impact of the CN rail strike on the transport of mixed sulphides in Canada and the reduction in diesel fuel supplies in Cuba on Moa operations. Nickel and cobalt production at the Moa joint venture is expected to continue to grow strongly in 2019, reflecting the continued benefits of Sherritt's operational excellence program.

Production guidance for 2020:

BHP

Company introduction and main business:

BHP Billiton is the world's leading resources company. BHP Billiton mining and processing minerals, oil and gas, mainly in Australia and the Americas has more than 72000 employees and contractors. BHP Billiton's products are sold all over the world, with sales and marketing throughout Singapore and Houston in the United States. BHP Billiton is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia. Nickel, Nickel West is a fully integrated mineral to market nickel business. All nickel operations (mines, concentrators, smelters and refineries) are located in Western Australia. The integrated business adds value to the entire nickel supply chain. Most of, Nickel West's current products are sold in the form of powders and lump coal. Low-grade dispersed sulphide ores are mined from large open-pit mines in Keith Mountain. The ore is crushed and processed on site to produce nickel concentrate. High-grade nickel sulphide ore is mined in the Cliffs and Leinster underground mines and the Reward open-pit mine in Rocky. The ore is processed through a concentrator and dryer in Lester. Nickel West's Kambalda concentrator handles concentrates purchased from third parties through dryers and is currently undergoing maintenance and maintenance. Three nickel concentrate flows converge at the Nickel West Kalgoorlie smelter. The smelter uses a flash furnace to smelt concentrate to produce matte nickel. The, Western Kwinana nickel processing plant then refines the granular nickel powder produced by the Kalgoorlie smelter into high-quality nickel powder and agglomerates containing 99.8% nickel. Matte nickel and metals are exported to overseas markets through the port of Freemantle.

The output of the company:

, Nickel West made significant progress in transitioning to a leading supplier in the battery materials market in fiscal 2019, selling more than 70 per cent of its products to the industry in fiscal 2019. In addition, it announced that it would keep Nickel West in BHP's portfolio. The nickel sulfate plant at the Kwinana nickel refinery is under construction. The first phase is expected to produce up to 100 ktpa of nickel sulfate. In fiscal year 2019, Nickel West signed an agreement with the traditional owners of land used for Nickel West's operations in northern Goldfields, which also supported the development of the Keith Mountain Satellite Mine, which will provide more ore to the Keith Mountain Concentrator. The development of the (Mt Keith) satellite mine in Mount Keith has begun, including the excavation of the northern mine (six-mile well) and the construction of transport roads.

The company's underground work at the Venus mine near Lester (Leinster) has begun, and work on the new main ventilation shaft and paste plant is progressing smoothly. Nickel West will operate the underground infrastructure of the Venus mine. The development of Leinster B11 (massive cave) undercutting is proceeding as expected, and critical underground infrastructure has been put back into use. In the future, Nickel West will provide many development options and potentially enhance its resource position through exploration and processing innovation. Our short-term focus is to achieve the upper reaches of the nickel value chain by increasing exploration activities in Western Australia and continuing to develop nickel in the northern gold mines.

The nickel sulfate plant at the Kwinana nickel refinery is expected to make its first production in the first half of CY2020. The first batch of ore from the, Mt Keith satellite project is expected by the end of fiscal year 2019. The additional capacity of the project will be matched to meet the needs of the Mt Keith plant. The company expects that the first batch of ore produced by the Leinster B11 undercut will receive external approval in the second half of fiscal year 2020.

After the fire at the Kalgoorlie smelter in September 2018, West's nickel production fell 6 per cent to 87 kt in fiscal year 2019. Of these, nickel mine production in the fourth quarter totaled 13.7 kilotons, a decrease of 24 percent compared with 2018 and 37 percent month-on-month. A total of 35.5 kilotons of nickel ore was produced in the second half of the year, a decrease of 11 percent compared with 2018.

(Nickel West map and real scene source: < BHP Annual Report2019 >)

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