Lifezone Metals updates Kabanga Nickel Project plan

Published 01/04/2025, 12:26
Lifezone Metals updates Kabanga Nickel Project plan

NEW YORK - Lifezone Metals Limited (NYSE: LZM), currently valued at $337.6 million, announced an operational update on its Kabanga Nickel Project in northwest Tanzania, revealing a revised staging plan aimed at enhancing capital efficiency and optimizing project economics. The update comes as the company navigates challenging market conditions, particularly the supply dominance of Indonesia in the nickel market. The company’s stock has declined nearly 40% year-to-date, according to InvestingPro data, reflecting broader market concerns about the nickel sector.

The new plan entails the initial construction of a full-scale 3.4 million tonnes per year underground mine and concentrator at Kabanga, followed by the construction of a Hydromet refinery at Kahama. This approach marks a shift from the previous two-phase development strategy and is expected to increase capital efficiency, enhance initial cash flows, and improve economic outcomes for the project. InvestingPro analysis indicates the company maintains more cash than debt on its balance sheet, though it’s currently experiencing rapid cash burn - a crucial factor for investors monitoring project development progress.

Lifezone Metals CEO Chris Showalter emphasized the need to adapt the development plans for Kabanga in light of the current market dynamics. The updated Definitive Feasibility Study for the project is slated for completion in mid-year 2025, as the company aims to deliver long-term value to shareholders and stakeholders.

The Tanzanian government has expressed continued support for the project, with the Tanzanian Mining Commission reviewing a report on the feasibility study as part of the conditions for the Kabanga Nickel Project Special Mining Licence. Tanzanian Minister of Minerals, Hon. Anthony Mavunde, highlighted the project’s significance for the country’s mining sector and urged prompt resolution of outstanding matters to facilitate the start of mine development.

Lifezone Metals is also engaged in ongoing offtake discussions for the sale of nickel, copper, and cobalt from Kabanga, facilitated by the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC). Additionally, the company has been invited to apply for the Export-Import Bank of the United States’ Supply Chain Resiliency Initiative.

Parallel to the Kabanga project, Lifezone Metals, in partnership with Glencore, is advancing a U.S.-based platinum, palladium, and rhodium (PGM) recycling project. The pilot work has progressed, focusing on solvent extraction and ion exchange phases, with the feasibility study expected to be completed before year-end 2025. This project aligns with recent U.S. policy to increase domestic critical minerals production.

This operational update is based on a press release statement from Lifezone Metals. According to InvestingPro data, analysts have set price targets ranging from $11 to $17, suggesting potential upside despite current market challenges. InvestingPro subscribers can access 11 additional exclusive insights about Lifezone Metals, including detailed financial health metrics and growth projections.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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