Sumitomo Metal Mining Wins Ni Exploration Right in Solomon Islands

Sumitomo Metal Mining announced on Wednesday the exploration subsidiary, SMM Solomon won the tender to get exploration right for nickel exploration at 3 mining district in Solomon Islands. The subsidiary won the right for free due to the better business plan for 3 zones including San Jorge, Takata and Jejevo with total 330 square kilometers.

The firm starts pre feasibility study in the new area in fiscal 2011 starting April 2011. The firm expects development synergy with potential nickel mine for existing exploration area, which is adjacent of the new area. The firm expects the High Pressure Acid Leach (HPAL) method enables to develop the resources.

Sumitomo Metal Mining conducted exploration since 2007. With the new area, the firm now conducts exploration for area with 502 square kilometers in Santa Isabel Island. The firm also conducts exploration in Choiseul island. The total exploration area is 686 square kilometers in Solomon Islands.