Lateritic Nickel

WGM has carried out numerous technical due diligence reviews of several lateritic nickel deposits throughout the world that have ranged from longstanding producing mines (Cero Matoso, Columbia) to early stage exploration programs (Sechol, Guatemala). Major deposits have been examined in Cuba, Columbia, Brazil, Indonesia, Madagascar and Guatemala.

Our consulting engineers and geologists have hands on experience in auditing and recommending metallurgical test programs, auditing and estimating Mineral Resources and designing bulk metallurgical testing programs.

Key Projects

Canico (Hasting Resources Inc.), Brazil - WGM conducted an independent technical review of the Onca/Puma lateritic nickel project in Para State Brazil and prepared a NI 43-101 report with an audit of INCO’s Mineral Resource estimate.

Ambatovy Nickel Project, Madagascar - WGM, together with Independent Mining Consultants and Spence Resource Management Inc., carried out a technical study, developed a geological model and completed a Mineral Resource/Reserve estimate and mining plan for the Ambatovy nickel laterite project. The Proven and Probable Reserves totalled 125 million tonnes, at a cut-off grade of 0.80% Ni, with an average grade of 1.04% Ni and 0.099% Co. WGM’s technical study formed the basis for a feasibility study by SNC Lavalin Engineers & Contractors Inc. The feasibility study projected the Ambatovy project to produce annually 60 million tonnes Ni and 5,600 tonnes Co over a 27 year mine life

KWG Resources Inc., Cuba - WGM provided technical assistance to KWG on the Cupey Nickel plant and on Las Camariocas/Cupey laterite nickel deposit. WGM also carried out an audit on the Mineral Resources estimate of the deposit that had been prepared by the Cuban firm Cepronickel. WGM provided assistance to Pinares in the translation into English of geological logs of the laterite nickel deposits in the Moa Bay area from Spanish that had been translated from original Russian. The translation services required geological knowledge of laterite deposits.

Hatch, Columbia - WGM assisted Hatch in the technical review of Gencor’s Cerro Matoso lateritic nickel operation, one of the richest nickel laterite ores in Columbia. WGM also reviewed the various annual Mineral Resource/Reserve estimates by different computer programs compared to active nickel production to resolve differences.

A PDF file highlighting our lateritic nickel experience is also available for download on our Downloads page.

Contact us for details.

"We were extremely pleased with the professional manner in which your firm designed, managed and executed the regional gold exploration program covering over 7,000 square kilometres of Scotland."

Robert Leclerc, Chairman and CEO - Echo Bay Mines

In the News

In Memoriam: David Beggs (1943-2010) - (January 25th, 2010) It is with heartfelt sorrow that we bid fond farewell to David Beggs, WGM’s Senior Geomatics Associate, who passed away this week. David had over 38 years of industry experience, much of it in developing countries, advocating the training and mentoring of local personnel in new technologies. He was an expert in GIS and remote sensing, and during the period between 1996 and 1998, he processed and interpreted RadarSAT and LandSAT imagery for mineral exploration projects in Mongolia, Africa, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Philippines and Solomon Islands. David was admired by all of his colleagues for his steadfast dedication to his work and family. We will miss him dearly.

WGM selected for Egyptian Industrial Minerals Study - (January 8th, 2010) The Industrial Modernization Centre (“IMC”) is an industrial development agency jointly funded by the European Union, the Egyptian private sector, and the government of Egypt, whose mandate is to provide business development support to Egyptian industrial enterprises. WGM is pleased to announce that it has been selected to conduct a year-long study on Egypt’s Industrial Minerals Sector. (More Information)

Exploration and Mining Risk Analysis Workshop, Cape Town - (February 22-23, 2010) WGM President, Joe Hinzer will be hosting a two-day workshop in Cape Town, South Africa. (More Information)

Events

PDAC 2010, Toronto - (March 7-10, 2010) Don't miss the mining event of the year! Come visit WGM at booth B901 for your chance to win some great prizes! (More Information)

Career Opportunities

September 1st, 2008 - WGM is currently seeking qualified geological and mining professionals for positions in its Toronto and Vancouver offices (More information).