Eramet, Vale and New Caledonia’s South Province sign tripartite agreement on two nickel deposits in New Caledonia
April 22, 2014
Eramet, Vale Canada and New Caledonia’s South Province have reportedly signed an agreement for the exploration, study and beneficiation of two nickel deposits located in Prony and Pernod in the south of New Caledonia. The tripartite agreement provides for the creation of a joint venture for the project, owned 34% by the South Province, 33% by Eramet and 33% by Vale.
Unprecedented in New Caledonia, this strategic alliance is aligned with the guidelines of the plans for the development of the territory’s mining assets. The project will first undertake the geological exploration works and technical studies required for improving knowledge on the deposits and the operation of the mine.
Under the terms of the deal, Eramet and Vale would be able to develop a hydro-metallurgy project, working in close collaboration with the authorities, to optimise beneficiation of the Prony and Pernod nickel deposits, while maximizing the economic, social and environmental synergies generated by the deposits.
