[SMM Nickel News] Nickel 28 Announces Proposed Expansion of Ramu Project, Capacity Expected to Double

Published: Apr 16, 2026 15:09

Nickel 28 Capital Corp. said on April 15 that the operator of Papua New Guinea's Ramu nickel-cobalt project has submitted a Phase 2 expansion plan to the country's Mineral Resources Authority. The $1.6 billion project could double Ramu's capacity if completed, but still requires government approval of mining leases and permits.

Under the joint venture agreement, majority shareholder MCC must make a fair-market-value buyout offer to minority shareholders including Nickel 28. Minority holders who decline can either fund their share of expansion costs or face gradual equity dilution.

CEO Craig Lennon said Ramu's operations are stable and MCC is experienced. The company will evaluate all options under the agreement to maximize shareholder value.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM‘s internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or to learn more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn
For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn
Related News
[SMM Stainless Steel Flash] EU Steel Safeguard Reached Amid Indonesia's Nickel Pricing Overhaul
2 hours ago
[SMM Stainless Steel Flash] EU Steel Safeguard Reached Amid Indonesia's Nickel Pricing Overhaul
Read More
[SMM Stainless Steel Flash] EU Steel Safeguard Reached Amid Indonesia's Nickel Pricing Overhaul
[SMM Stainless Steel Flash] EU Steel Safeguard Reached Amid Indonesia's Nickel Pricing Overhaul
EU reached a trilogue agreement on new steel safeguards, featuring an 18.3 million tonne quota, a 50% out-of-quota tariff, and "melt-and-pour" rules. However, critics highlight a loophole for slabs and potential WTO compliance issues. Simultaneously, Indonesia's complete overhaul of its nickel pricing architecture is expected to hike downstream production costs for stainless steel and EVs by over 12%. Following these shifts, base metals surged on both LME and SHFE, with nickel leading gains by nearly 4%. Market volatility remains high as the industry adapts to these structural cost increases and trade barriers.
2 hours ago
[SMM Stainless Steel Flash] April 16, 2026: Stainless Steel Market Highlights
17 hours ago
[SMM Stainless Steel Flash] April 16, 2026: Stainless Steel Market Highlights
Read More
[SMM Stainless Steel Flash] April 16, 2026: Stainless Steel Market Highlights
[SMM Stainless Steel Flash] April 16, 2026: Stainless Steel Market Highlights
On April 16, 2026, the stainless steel market saw major shifts. The EU's move to cut quotas by 47% and double tariffs to 50% in July triggered panic buying in Europe. India extended BIS certification until late September to ensure supply flexibility. Supported by Indonesia’s HPM formula adjustments, export prices remain firm, with slight gains in Foshan 304 spot prices. Rising logistics costs due to Middle East tensions and new trade barriers are collectively pushing up global trade expenses.
17 hours ago
【SMM Nickel Flash News】Scenario Simulation and Comparative Analysis of Saprolite and Limonite under the New HPM Formula
17 hours ago
【SMM Nickel Flash News】Scenario Simulation and Comparative Analysis of Saprolite and Limonite under the New HPM Formula
Read More
【SMM Nickel Flash News】Scenario Simulation and Comparative Analysis of Saprolite and Limonite under the New HPM Formula
【SMM Nickel Flash News】Scenario Simulation and Comparative Analysis of Saprolite and Limonite under the New HPM Formula
【SMM Nickel Flash News】Given the significant variance in byproduct quality across nickel ore deposits, establishing a unified HPM for each grade remains a challenge. Consequently, SMM has developed multiple scenarios for both saprolite and limonite to serve as a benchmark for the new HPM formula and to provide a comparative analysis against SMM’s proprietary pricing
17 hours ago