Centaurus Metals has secured an installation licence for its 100%-owned Jaguar nickel sulphide project in northern Brazil’s Pará State.
The licence, which has been granted by Pará’s state environmental agency, Semas, authorises the company to initiate construction activities for the project under its existing design.
Valid until March 2029, the licence allows Centaurus to build a nickel concentration plant along with related infrastructure including pits, dams and waste piles.
The licence also allows for activities such as vegetation clearing and fauna management during construction along with the main water permits.
Centaurus Metals managing director Darren Gordon said: “The grant of the installation licence puts us firmly on the path to make a final investment decision [FID] later in the year, once a suitable financing package is secured, and enables the company to start construction of one of the world’s most significant new nickel sulphide mines.
“Jaguar is a significant project for the region and for local communities, and will generate significant economic, social and community benefits over a long period of time. We are looking forward to working with all key stakeholders over the coming months to bring this fantastic project to fruition.”
Situated in the western part of Carajás Mineral Province of Brazil, the Jaguar project was acquired from Vale in April 2020.
The project includes various nickel sulphide deposits and exploration targets within a 30km² land package.
The issuance of the installation licence clears the way for the formal granting of the mining lease, the last condition to be met after the grant of technical approval in December 2023.
Centaurus expects to secure the mining lease in the coming months.
The earlier issued preliminary licence/installation licence for the powerline in February 2024 allows for its construction pending engineering completion, funding and landowner agreements.
