Processing - Construction Schedule

Development Timelines   |   Construction Schedule

In 2002, preliminary site work began at Argentia in preparation for the hydrometallurgical (hydromet) demonstration facility. Activities included environmental baseline studies and the initiation of engineering site assessment studies, including a water system study and a topographical survey with local engineering firms.

In late December 2002, the demonstration facility was cleared from further environmental assessment by the provincial and federal government. The 2003 work program included renovating the Argentia Management Authority building and the construction of the office/warehouse at the hydromet demonstration plant site. Other activities at Argentia during 2003 included environmental baseline studies, the installation of fiber optic connections and the initiation of detailed engineering for site preparation.

The hydromet research and development program took an important step forward in June 2003 with the start of operations at the mini-pilot plant at Sheridan Park in Ontario. Following extensive and successful R&D and mini-pilot plant work at Inco’s laboratories, the design, engineering and construction of the demonstration facility at Argentia began in 2004. The facility was built to test the hydrometallurgical process. The hydromet demonstration facility was completed in early October 2005. The final phase of the hydromet research & development program began in late October, 2005, and was completed in June 2008.

Construction of the commercial processing plant will begin in 2009, following the completion of a feasibility study, release from environmental assessment, and securing all necessary environment and construction permits. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2011.

In the event that a commercial hydromet processing plant cannot be built for technical or economic reasons, a conventional hydrometallurgical nickel matte processing, or another similar facility will be built using proven technology to produce finished nickel. As with the commercial hydromet processing plant, construction of this facility would begin in 2009 and would be expected to be completed by the end of 2011.