More Green Minerals from Tasmania!
The Tasmanian Minerals, Manufacturing and Energy Council (TMEC) welcomes the official opening of the Avebury Nickel Mine under the ownership of Mallee Resources. TMEC also welcomes the many familiar industry faces who have returned home to Tasmania to be part of the Avebury team as well as the broader Tasmanian minerals industry.
With the insatiable demand for minerals to feed the three global megatrends of massive population shifts from rural to urban locations in developing economies; decarbonisation aspirations requiring an upsurge in mineral production and finally, the securing of alternative supply chains for critical minerals, Tasmania is now ranked as the eighth most attractive location in the world for its range of in-demand minerals.
Given Avebury uses renewable electricity, this nickel concentrate would be at or near the top of the global list for low-carbon metals.
Nickel has long been valuable to produce specialised grades of steel to increase its heat, strength, and resist corrosion and now battery technology is fuelling a new need, particularly as the world is seeking to store electricity to complement intermittent renewable electricity.
TMEC’s CEO, Ray Mostogl said, “To see the mine and processing facility being skilfully operationalised after nearly ten years under care and maintenance is a testament to the people who cared for the silent structures as it is for the team who have brought the site back to life”.
At the very time the Tasmanian population is grappling with increased demands on health, housing and education services, the additional revenue which will flow to communities, businesses and governments as a result of Avebury producing and exporting its concentrate is very timely. For Tasmanians to retain and improve the current way of life the state needs the mining industry to prosper and grow.
Avebury’s mine lease when combined with all the state’s mine leases accounts for 0.88 percent of the Tasmanian land mass. The mining industry is proud of its ability to work sensitively and to global best standards in and around some of the most pristine areas in Tasmania. The Tasmanian community welcomes Avebury!
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Avebury Nickel Mine operates in a tier one mining jurisdiction and have aligned their environmental, social and governance principles with the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) Mining Principles.
Their strategy is to focus on critical mineral projects with a favourable stage of life and jurisdiction which allow us to produce mineral products in an ESG-conscious manner.
It was the vision of Mallee Resources Managing Director, John Lamb, that has seen Avebury Nickel Mine make a resurgence back as a Tasmanian mining producer.
Commencing production in September 2022, Avebury estimates to be producing 40,000 tonne per annum of battery grade Nickel which will be shipped from the Port of Burnie, to support the increased global demand for Electric Vehicles.
Avebury proudly employs over 150 employees, with 97% of the workforce Tasmanian and over 30% local to the west coast. The next few months will see our Avebury family grow to over 200 direct employees and creating further opportunities for the west coast community by supporting local businesses and sponsorship to local west coast organisations.
They look forward to many years of sustainable mining on Tasmania’s beautiful west coast.
