The economic evaluation of production capacity for a lateritic nickel operation using pressure acid leach was performed for capacities from 45000 t/year Ni to 300000 t/year Ni using industry parameters. The economic analysis was performed using discounted cash flow and sensitivity analyses. Performance indicators were interpreted in a mine valuation context, allowing to establish scenarios for capacity recommendation. The recommended capacity is 120000 t/ano Ni, which represents the best compromise considering profitability, the maturation of the technology and market size.
Mining valuation; capacity definition; lateritic nickel; (high) pressure acid leaching (PAL, HPAL, HiPAL)
