Eramet Implements Cost Reduction Measure in Ni and Mn Units

Eramet of France, a worldwide ferroalloy producer, has introduced a cost reduction measure to respond for recent economy deterioration. In the nickel business unit, the firm reviews general expenses, outer service costs and material purchasing costs. SLN, a nickel smelting subsidiary in New Caledonia, also eyes introduction of a cost down measure.

SLN’s production decreased by 12% to annual 50,000-tonne level for January-March 2009 from October-December 2008 since nickel demand declined for stainless steel.

SLN holds a plan to construct a coal power plant. The subsidiary also plans development of Prony deposit to secure material for a nickel hydrometallurgical process plant in future.

Weda Bay project in Indonesia is now under feasibility study. If the development is actually decided, Eramet’s total nickel output is expected to double and cobalt production will also increase toward 2013.

In the manganese business unit, Eramet suspended Comilog ore plant in Gabon for 3 weeks in December 2008 and 2 weeks in April 2009 to reduce costs. The firm also implemented short time operation at a ferromanganese plant in Norway and partial suspension of an electrolytic manganese dioxide plant in China.