
Ardea Resources Limited has announced the commencement of the definitive feasibility study (DFS) for its Kalgoorlie Nickel Project (KNP) – Goongarrie Hub.
The study, managed by Ardea’s wholly owned subsidiary Kalgoorlie Nickel Pty Ltd (KNPL), is being funded by a consortium comprising Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd (SMM) and Mitsubishi Corporation (MC) with a budget of $98.5 million.
The DFS marks a significant milestone in the development of the Goongarrie Hub, which is expected to become a multi-decade nickel-cobalt operation.
Upon completion of the study, the Consortium will have earned a 35 per cent interest in KNPL, with the potential to increase to 50 per cent as the project progresses.
Several key Ardea executives, including Project Director Matt Read and General Manager Technical Services Mike Miller, have transitioned to full-time roles at KNPL to oversee the DFS.
The study has been divided into six work packages, covering areas such as Process Plant and Utilities, Non-Process Infrastructure, Approvals, Geology, Mining, and Hydrogeology.
Ausenco has been awarded the contract for the Process Plant and Process Plant Utilities area.
The DFS is scheduled for completion in the second half of 2025, with a projected timeline of approximately 18 months.
Andrew Penkethman, Managing Director and CEO of Ardea said: “The Goongarrie Hub DFS is the first Critical Minerals collaboration between Australia and Japan, with the project expected to be a multi-decade nickel-cobalt operation that provides supply chain diversity, security and meets the high ESG standards expected from Australia and Japan.”
Reuben Joseph, Ausenco President APAC/Africa, Minerals & Metals, expressed enthusiasm for the project, highlighting Ausenco’s expertise in nickel laterite process design and commitment to developing a quality, cost-effective study.
The Kalgoorlie Nickel Project – Goongarrie Hub is poised to become one of Australia’s largest nickel-cobalt producers, with a Pre-Feasibility Study indicating an ore reserve of 194.1Mt at 0.70 per cent Ni and 0.05 per cent Co.
The project is expected to produce approximately 30,000t of nickel and 2,000t of cobalt annually for over 40 years.
As the DFS progresses, Ardea Resources plans to provide regular updates on the various workstreams underway, keeping stakeholders informed about this significant development in the critical minerals sector.