Glencore Cnd seeking to Add New Projects (is KWG an e.g.?) https://www.thesudburystar.com/2016/12/14/norman-west-find-promising---glencore
While the local operations are solid, Glencore's Peter Xavier did point out a few challenges the company faces. For example, low nickel prices and high hydro costs, as well as regulatory uncertainty around climate change and emissions can cause headaches.
“The current low nickel prices and challenging market outlook, as well as regulatory uncertainty, pose significant hurdles to these projects being realized,” Xavier said in his presentation to council about Glencore’s Sudbury-area operations. “Mining is a cyclical business and we are continuously facing new challenges.”
Xavier highlighted the Nickel Rim South mine, which launched operations in 2010. While that mine serves as the company’s financial base in Sudbury, Xavier said it will be empty in 2021, which presents a challenge.
“Although very valuable in nature in terms of ore grade, it’s somewhat limited in size,” he said. “Over the last few years we’ve tried to extend the operations, but unfortunately our efforts haven’t proven successful. But it’s a world-class operation.”
It is also an efficient mine, using 60 per cent less energy and 30 per cent less water than other mines of its size.
To maximize the amount of ore the company takes from Nickel Rim, they expanded laterally, creating a 2.5 km drift to access a deeper shaft and a two million tonne ore body.
With operations in Sudbury for about 90 years, Glencore - which bought Falconbridge Ltd. a decade ago - has become part of the bedrock of the community.