Name of the Project
Crawford nickel sulphide project.

Location
Timmins, in Ontario, Canada.

Project Owner/s
Canadian developer Canada Nickel Company.

Project Description
The Crawford project will be a large-scale producer of critical minerals, including nickel and cobalt.

The operation will produce 83-million pounds (38 000 t) of nickel a year over a 41-year life, with production of 48 000 t/y nickel, 8 000 t/y of cobalt, 13 000 oz/y of palladium and platinum, 1.6-million tonnes a year of iron and 76 000 t/y of chrome over its 27-year peak period.

The first phase of the project will have a throughput of 60 000 t/y.

The second phase, planned for commissioning during the fourth year, will double mill throughput to 120 000 t/d.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
The project has an estimated after-tax net present value, at an 8% discount rate, of $2.5-billion and an internal rate of return of 17.1%.

Capital Expenditure
Phase 1 will cost about $1.9-billion and Phase 2 about $1.6-billion.

Planned Start/End Date
A production decision is expected by mid-2025, with a goal of first production by the end of 2027.

Latest Developments
Government agency Export Development Canada (EDC) may provide a $500-million loan for the project, according to Canada Nickel, which announced receipt of a letter of interest from EDC on September 6.

The letter marks an important milestone towards securing a full financing package for Crawford. Canada Nickel is looking forward to working closely with EDC to complete the due diligence and negotiation process to secure this funding.

The letter of interest – with the refundable critical minerals and carbon capture and storage tax credits of more than $600-million that the company expects to qualify for the initial phase of Crawford's development – demonstrates the commitment of the federal government to support the project, Canda Nickel has said.

The company has also reported good progress with its financial advisers Deutsche Bank, Scotiabank and Cutfield Freeman to secure the remaining project funding required to start construction once permits have been received. This is expected to be by mid-2025.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
Ausenco Engineering Canada (PEA and front-end engineering design).

Contact Details for Project Information
Canada Nickel Company, email info@canadanickel.com.