First Quantum Minerals (FQM) has confirmed that the mining firm has a valid license to mine and produce Nickel concentrate at its newly announced enterprise Nickel mine at Kalumbila District, which is next to it’s Copper rich Kalumbila Trident mines.
This follows questions raised on how the giant mining firm acquired the license at a time when the Zambian government had placed a moratorium on issuance of new mining licenses after the change of government. The Zambian government imposed a moratorium stating that they wanted to clean up and improve the system.
Dr. Godwin Beene who is FQM Government Relations specialist stated that the mining firm [FQM] acquired the license a long time ago but could not disclose when exactly this happened. FQM had announced at a recently held mining Indaba in Cape Town that the giant mining company will be producing about 30,000 tons of Nickel annually, expected to rake in about $1 billion in revenues annually.
And another note from FQM to the Zambian Business Times – ZBT re-affirmed that that giant copper miner has an existing Nickel license that was issued before a moratorium was instituted by new mines Minister but did not state when exactly the license was issued.
Speaking in an interview with ZBT, Dr. Beene said FQM operates under the laws of Zambia which state that for one to mine, they need to have a license, therefore it’s impossible for FQM or any other mining company to start a project without a license as that would mean going against the stipulated laws of Zambia.
Dr. Beene further told ZBT that FQM Nickel mining license is valid for between 20 and 25 years stating that two licenses are required for the mining and processing of Nickel and FQM has both.
“I can confirm that First Quantum has a valid Nickel Mining license” stated Beene. He advised that those that want to see it, they can visit the cadaster office as they have a copy”, he said.
Mining specialists and analysts in Zambia questioned the FQM announcement that the new enterprise Nickel mine would be opened within a period of twelve (12) months when the Zambian government imposed a moratorium on issuance of new mining licenses. The moratorium is still currently in place but expected to be lifted soon.
The new Nickel mine to be operated by FQM will add to the existing Munali Nickel mine of Mazabuka and expected to make Zambia – Africa’s largest producer. Nickel as a mineral is gaining more international recognition and importance following the drive to green anergy and the electric car promise.
