1st Half Of 2022: Zimbabwe's Biggest Nickel Producer Records A Decline In Production

Zimbabwe’s biggest nickel producer Bindura Nickel Corporation (BNC) recorded a decline in production during the first half of 2022 which ended on 30 September 2022 compared to the same period last year, according to Mining Zimbabwe.

The Kuvimba Mining House-owned nickel producer said ore recovery during the period under review was also 35 per cent lower compared to the comparable half of 2021 due to lower head grade. BNC said:

Nickel in concentrate production for the half year to 30 September 2022 was 1,918 tonnes, which was 25% lower than the 2,553 tonnes produced in the same period last year. The decline was mainly due to the head grade of 1.03% which was 18% lower than for the 6 months to September 2021. Recovery at 81% was 35% lower than in the previous year, in sympathy with the lower head grade.

The nickel producer also said that during the quarter, ore milled was 5 per cent lower compared to the same period of 2021 due to lower mined volumes.

BNC attributes the performance to logistical challenges among them a delay in the delivery of equipment “due to disruptions in the global supply chains.”

The new equipment is expected to enable the transition into the new mining strategy, leading to an anticipated upswing in ore volumes and a return to profitability in the second half of the financial year 2023.

BNC also said that sales volumes during the half year ended 30 September 2022 were lower than the previous sales, selling 1 146 tonnes compared to 2 549 tonnes during the previous half year ended 30 September 2021.

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