The first nickel-copper ore from the restarted Lockerby Mine has been shipped to Xstrata Nickel’s Strathcona mill for processing. The mine will produce 400 tonnes per day of ore during Q4 2011, then ramp up to commercial production by mid-2012.
The Lockerby capital development program is being completed on budget, according to the company. The main haulage ramp has advanced toward the 65 level, and lateral development has advanced on the 65-3 and 66-2 levels. Infrastructure improvements have been completed, and several pieces of the mining fleet have been replaced. All production, maintenance, office and technical workers have been recalled.
“The Lockerby Mine team has taken full ownership of this project and has been instrumental in bringing the mine back into production,” said Gerry Bilodeau, First Nickel’s COO. “Looking forward, I am confident we will achieve our production milestones given the hard work and dedication of our employees, managers and contractors.”
The company has also announced a changing of the guard.
Thomas M. Boehlert has been appointed president and CEO, replacing William Anderson, who is retiring. Through his 28-year career, Boehlert has gained extensive experience with international natural resource and energy companies in optimizing operations and executing growth strategies. Most recently, he served as chief financial officer and executive vice-president of Kinross Gold Corp.
“I am very pleased to have a new, professionally and financially committed champion of First Nickel,” said chair Thomas Pugsley in a news release. “At the same time, I am happy to have Mr. Anderson, a founding director of the company and devoted colleague, continue as a director of the company.” Pugsley commended Anderson for attracting major shareholders and securing equity and debt to finance the restart of production at First Nickel’s Lockerby Mine in Sudbury. Anderson will remain in a consulting role for six months in order to facilitate a smooth transition.
