Falconbridge, Antam in talk on Buli nickel project

State miner PT Aneka Tambang (Antam) and Canadian base metal mining giant Falconbridge Limited is in talk on the possibility of forming joint venture to develop the former?s lateritic nickel resource in Buli prospect, Halmahera Island, North Maluku province, according to an industry source.

Aneka Tambang?s president Dedi Aditya Sumanagera confirmed on Monday that there had been some talks but said that the talk was ? still too premature to bring any conclusion?.

Early this year Falconbrige withdrew from Gag Island nickel project in Papua province after its joint partners BHP Billiton and Aneka Tambang failed to resolve forestry issue that hinders the project?s development at the given deadline. (alex)