Modern Mining July 2022

NICKEL

the near term and we are preparing to provide the necessary training and upskilling programmes to get the team up to speed and ultimately able to operate a proposed new modern mine,” explains Ruptash. Furthermore, the company is backed by a highly supportive and broad investor base and recently completed a $26-million private placement. “Our ambition is to successfully create a rapid growth nickel, copper, cobalt and PGE sulphide mining opportunity and become a leading global supplier of these metals to the market. Importantly, our success will only be reached if we follow our corporate principals which include using best technical practices, minimising the impact on the environment, building a solid foundation of sus tainability, including the transfer of wealth to local stakeholders through employment, job skills, own ership of housing and a diversified modern supply chain. Our vision is to participate in the restora tion and development of a resilient and diversified local Botswana economy ultimately independent of the mines. In addition, one has to believe that the medium to long-term demand for these metals will continue to grow through global urbanisation and the increasing replacement of internal combustion engines with electric motors. These metals are key to a low carbon future,” concludes Ruptash. 

underground area between the Selebi and Selebi North deposits. “PNRB is led by CEO, Montwedi Mphathi and we have employed about 30 local staff including manag ers, geologists, and administration employees with the expectation of growing the team as the project progresses. Prior to the mine shutting down, it had a highly skilled workforce. We have since identified key positions which we believe will be required in

The Metallurgical Project Team with product samples.

16  MODERN MINING  July 2022