GRD Minproc to work on the Rio Tinto Sulawesi nickel project

Australian engineering construction company GRD Minproc has been awarded acontract by mining giant Rio Tinto to carry out Order of Magnitude Studies on the Lasamphala nickel project in Sulawesi, parent company GRD Limited said on Tuesday.

The resources comprises two nickel laterite ore bodies in the east coast of Sulawesi. As part of the studies, GRD Minproc will look at processing plant options and utility services.

Rio Tinto reported in May 2008 a 162 million tonne lateritic nickel Resource at Lasamphala, along with substantial potential to outline further mineralisation through additional exploration.

The Sulawesi Nickel Project is in the final stages of an Order of Magnitude Study. A base case production of 46ktpa Nickel is envisaged commencing by 2015, with potential to support future expansion beyond 100ktpa. Potential transport routes and infrastructure sites have also been investigated, Rio Tinto said. (alex)