About Us
Our History
During 2007, OJSC MMC Norilsk Nickel (Norilsk) separately acquired certain assets of OM Group Inc (OMG) and all of LionOre Mining International Limited's (LionOre) assets.
In acquiring the assets of OMG and LionOre, Norilsk acquired a diverse mix of projects and growth opportunities which have a rich history in Western Australia's mining industry.
About OM Group Inc
Norilsk's acquisition of OMG in March 2007 brought several quality assets and growth opportunities to Norilsk's global operations. OMG is a US based, international, vertically integrated producer and marketer of metal-based specialty chemicals and related products.
The acquisition of OMG's Cawse Nickel project and the Harjavalta Nickel Refinery in Finland expanded Norilsk's operations and introduced high-pressure acid leaching technology used to treat laterite nickel ore to the company's technological capability.
About LionOre Mining International Ltd
Over a number of years Canadian based LionOre assembled a suite of high quality nickel and gold assets in Australia and Africa through a range of mergers, acquisitions and other corporate ventures. LionOre also owned and developed the Activox® hydrometallurgical nickel processing technology.
Australia
LionOre's first entry into Australia was in 1996 when LionOre purchased an interest in Forrestania Gold NL, owner of the Maggie Hays nickel sulphide deposit. Over time and through a series of transactions, LionOre increased its ownership of Forrestania, which came to include the high-grade Emily Ann nickel deposit some three kilometres from Maggie Hays.
In 2001 in a joint venture with Dalrymple Resources, LionOre commenced developing the Thunderbox gold mine, further expanding the company's interests in Western Australia.
LionOre's exploration activities also saw the discovery of the Waterloo nickel deposit, about six kilometres from Thunderbox.
The Bulong Nickel Project (renamed Avalon) was also added to the company's Australian portfolio of assets in 2003 and the Black Swan nickel operations were acquired as a result of LionOre's take over of MPI Mines Ltd which was completed in late 2004. Black Swan added a further nickel stream to LionOre's production profile.
In 1997, LionOre acquired the Activox® process and Norilsk Process Technology was established as a specialist developer which focused on commercialising Activox®. A pilot plant was commissioned in Perth in 1998 for the commercial trialling of Activox®.
Africa
From 2001 through to 2006 significant investment was made into the Phoenix Nickel Mine in Tati, Botswana. This included trialling the ground breaking Activox® technology which commenced commercial production in 2005.
Also in 2005 LionOre completed the acquisition of its 50% interest in Nkomati Nickel mine in South Africa.
During 2005 and 2006 LionOre embarked on an aggressive expansion program across all operations. This included investing significantly in the operations in Botswana.
The acquisition of LionOre by Norilsk in July 2007 gave Norilsk a strong presence in Australia and complemented the company's global operations.
Norilsk Nickel Australia Group
The acquisition of LionOre's and OMG's Australian assets in 2007 strengthened Norilsk's internationally diversified portfolio of metal production assets in attractive mining regions. These assets have been consolidated under the management of Norilsk Nickel Australia Pty Ltd.
The operations of LionOre and OMG delivered complementary technology for a "reserve rich" sulphide based nickel producer and an asset base of mining and processing operations that fit with Norilsk's refining capabilities.
Importantly Norilsk has assembled a strong management team experienced in mining and processing supporting the company's operations in the southern hemisphere, and with strong capabilities in building new operations in remote areas.
Norilsk Nickel Australia has built a portfolio of shorter term growth projects combined with long life reserves.
The Norilsk Nickel Group was formed in Russia more than 70 years ago, and now has operations in Russia, Finland, Botswana, US, South Africa and Australia. For further information on Norilsk's global business please visit the Norilsk Nickel Russia website.
