Lifezone Metals Limited, under the leadership of CEO Chris Showalter, has announced the acquisition of a Multi-Metal Processing Facility Licence from the Tanzanian Government. This license enables the company to refine nickel, copper, and cobalt extracted from its Kabanga Nickel Project situated near the former Buzwagi Gold Mine in Kahama.
The Kabanga Nickel Project, located in north-west Tanzania, is recognized as one of the world’s largest and highest-grade undeveloped nickel sulfide deposits. The Multi-Metal Processing Facility site in Kahama, approximately 340 km southwest of Kabanga, will serve as a crucial hub for refining operations. Lifezone’s subsidiary, Tembo Nickel Corporation Ltd., holds a 16% stake in Kabanga and Kahama, with the Government of Tanzania as a significant shareholder.
Utilizing Lifezone’s innovative Hydromet Technology, the Kabanga and Kahama facilities will produce finished metals domestically. This approach promises to lower capital and operating expenses, as well as minimize transport costs associated with concentrate or intermediate product shipment. By ensuring full in-country beneficiation, the initiative aligns with local content optimization goals and supports national development objectives.
A Definitive Feasibility Study for the Kabanga Nickel Project is progressing as planned, with completion expected by the third quarter of 2024.
Lifezone Metals’ Hydromet Technology represents a groundbreaking method for metals recovery, offering an alternative to traditional smelting processes. By reducing pollutive emissions and energy inefficiency associated with pyrometallurgical smelting, the technology unlocks nickel, copper, and cobalt resources from Kabanga while providing cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and traceable metals for use in electric vehicle batteries and the global energy transition.
Mr. Showalter expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from the Tanzanian Government, emphasizing the transformative impact of the Kabanga Nickel Project. The acquisition of the Kahama Refinery Licence signifies a significant milestone in Lifezone’s journey towards establishing a direct-to-metal solution for nickel, copper, and cobalt production in Tanzania.
Addressing attendees at the ceremony, Hon. Anthony Mavunde, Minister of Minerals, highlighted the importance of in-country beneficiation in the mining sector and commended Lifezone’s commitment to this objective. Similarly, Hon. Anamringi Macha, Shinyanga Regional Commissioner, underscored the socio-economic benefits of Tembo Nickel’s Multi-Metals Refinery, emphasizing its potential to drive employment and contribute to the region’s economic development.
