Centaurus Metals Shifts Jaguar Project Strategy Amid Nickel Market Changes
Centaurus Metals Limited has announced a strategic pivot in the development of its Jaguar Nickel Project, now planning to execute the project in two phases due to evolving nickel market conditions. The initial phase will concentrate on producing nickel sulphide concentrate, preserving the project's nickel output. A downstream nickel sulphate refinery phase is planned to follow, contingent on favorable market conditions.
This decision significantly lowers the initial development capital expenses compared to the original integrated project plan. The Jaguar Project, benefiting from clean, low-cost power (~US$0.03/kWh) from Brazil's 230kV national grid, is expected to maintain low operating costs, enhancing its robustness throughout the price cycle.
The Jaguar Feasibility Study will now be reoriented to focus solely on the Concentrate Project, leveraging the comprehensive study work previously completed for the integrated nickel sulphate project. Ausenco is set to conclude their required work activities by the end of the month, positioning Centaurus to release the Jaguar Concentrate Feasibility Study by the end of June.
Recent interactions with potential customers and strategic partners have demonstrated a strong interest in Jaguar’s low-carbon, non-Indonesian nickel sulphide concentrate. Centaurus maintains the flexibility to revisit the refinery development in the future, influenced by market conditions, strategic partnerships with the EV battery sector, and other relevant factors.
