The Sconi Project is a world class, low cost, 100% owned project in Queensland, Australia which is intended to be a sustainable and ethical source of advanced battery materials.
When Sconi starts commissioning, expected in 2028, it will meet surging demand through the supply of its high-quality battery-grade nickel and cobalt materials to LG Energy Solution, one of the largest producers of advanced batteries for the electric vehicle industry.
The US$1 billion project, including a 2 million tonne per annum ore processing plant for mixed nickel-cobalt hydroxide precipitate (MHP), is estimated to support 800 jobs and increase Gross Regional Product by A$2.2 billion over its 30-year life. The Sconi Project is supported by well-developed infrastructure, including easy access to the Port of Townsville. Our intention is that it will stand apart as a carbon neutral, secure and responsible raw material supply chain in a Tier-1 jurisdiction.
US$974 million
6-year (initial period): 71,000 dry metric tonnes of nickel and 7,000 dry metric tonnes of cobalt in the form of a mixed nickel-cobalt hydroxide precipitate (MHP)
LG Energy Solution (100% production; 6+5 year term), a subsidiary of LG Chem (S&P: BBB+/Stable)
Greenvale (220 km northwest of Townsville)
Access to port facilities (secured), sealed all-weather roads (site to port), power grid (on site), water, telecommunications and airport
NPV8%: A$817 million; IRR: 15%; Payback period: 5.8 years; Free cash flow: A$5 billion (life of mine); Operating costs: US$1.46/lb nickel (C1 cash costs, post by-product credits)
Potential for battery grade critical minerals for approximately 5-6 million high performance EV’s
Development of the Sconi Project will create significant social and economic benefits for Queensland's local and regional communities.
The Project is expected to create a total of 800 jobs, including 500 jobs during construction and a further 300 jobs during its operational phase (from 2028).
We are deeply committed to the communities where we operate through our employing local, living local and buying local philosophy.