[Ferro-Alloys.com] 

Vale BM says decision to merge Canada nickel ops with Glencore a priority

Vale Base Metals (VBM) is prioritizing a decision on whether to combine its nickel operations in Canada’s Sudbury basin with those of Glencore this year, a move that could reduce costs for both companies, its chairman said.

VBM, the copper and nickel spin-off of Brazil’s Vale, and Glencore share boundaries in the 60-km (37-mile) Sudbury basin.

VBM owns five mines, while Glencore owns the Nickel Rim South mine that is winding down operations after 15 years, and the Onaping Depth project. The assets also produce copper and precious metals.

As part of its plan to spend $25 billion to $30 billion in new projects in Brazil, Canada and Indonesia over the next decade, VBM aims to almost double nickel production to 300,000 metric tons per year.

• [Editor:邢亚敏]