[ferro-alloys.com] Canada's RNC Metals, whose Dumont project in Quebec is said to contain the largest undeveloped nickel reserve in the world, said Thursday its roasting process should increase payable nickel values for nickel sulphide concentrates by 25%, including the nickel-cobalt concentrate grades expected to be produced at Dumont.

An analysis performed by consultant CRU "determined a significantly higher value from RMC's roasting approach over traditional smelting and refining," RNC CEO Mark Selby said in a statement.

The projected 25% improvement in payability calculated for nickel concentrates "would allow a producer of various nickel concentrates to realize an additional $1.10/lb of nickel in concentrate produced at current $6/lb nickel prices," he added.

Such a scenario potentially provides "tremendous leverage as nickel prices increase," Selby said.

Dumont, he added, is expected to produce "the highest nickel (29%) and cobalt (1%) sulphide concentrate in the world, providing maximum flexibility for potential partners and offtake parties from a wide range of nickel-consuming sectors, including the battery and stainless steel markets."

The CRU study explored potential toll-processing in Asia for a range of nickel concentrates with nickel content ranging from 14% to 29% through to a final ferronickel product. It found that net payabilities using this approach for all concentrates were significantly higher than current market terms based on CRU's estimate of long-term nickel prices, product premiums and tolling costs, RNC said.

Toronto-based RNC expects to make a final construction decision on Dumont in 2019.

• [Editor:王可]