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Infrastructure and ESG Showalter indicates that the project benefits from existing infrastructure, although he adds that there are certain enhancements that are planned to support its development. For example, while the mine site is currently accessible via a 77 km unpaved public road that provides basic connectivity, small improvements may be necessary to accommodate the increased traffic during construction and operations. “The Tanzanian Electric Supply Company Limited (TANESCO) currently supplies grid electricity to site, which is sufficient for construction and initial mine development. Further infrastructure enhancements may also be required to meet full operational demands.” Asked about the company’s environmental, sustainability and governance (ESG) processes, he notes that sustainability is something that is innate to the business, as its products are produced with far fewer harmful impacts on the environment than most. “Our approach is ever-evolving, as it is strategically driven by adherence to global standards governing ESG practices. By working as partners with diverse stakeholders, our commitment to sustainability remains resolute. Risk management and the mitigation of our impacts will be driven and defined by our goal to achieve significant carbon reductions in nickel, copper and cobalt production,” he says. “We have also made a commitment to share social benefits and build lasting stakeholder relationships across our operations. Making better choices for our people, their communities and environment means that rights, responsibilities and inclusion will always govern our decisions and how we grow as a company.” He explains that the business focuses on in-country beneficiation, job creation and community development policies and programmes. Social investment Tanzania is expected to receive an equitable share of the total economic benefits from the Kabanga Nickel Project through the Economic Benefit Sharing Principle (EBSP). This includes dividends from its 16% free-carried interest, $1.2 billion in royalties, fees, levies and duties, and $2.4 billion in corporate income taxes estimated in the Feasibility Study economic model. “Additionally, a core goal is to have a labour force with a low expat representation, focusing on skills transfer and training. Security will be managed collaboratively and in strict partnership with communities and local government, as well as via training on the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights.” “Our Social Investment and Corporate Social Responsibility plan at Kabanga has a strong focus on healthcare and education, where we have continued to support healthcare workers, surrounding schools and our communities.” Showalter adds that the investment in education includes ongoing support for local schools, and initiatives that promote vocational training. The company has also continued to work on identifying potential partnerships with vocational centres in the surrounding regions, working towards future training opportunities for local youth. “Furthermore, as part of fostering local economic growth and enterprise development, we have previously supported
The Kabanga Nickel Project hosts 67.1 million tonnes of measured and indicated resources.
technology, and strategic location in the growing critical- minerals space, Showalter suggests that Kabanga represents a cornerstone asset for the future supply of responsibility sourced metals. He further indicates that the recently completed feasibility study demonstrates robust project economics, with approximately 902 000 tonnes of Nickel in concentrate produced over the LoM. “The rising global demand for Lithium-ion batteries is a key market driver for the nickel, copper, and cobalt that will be produced from the project. Lifezone’s ultimate intention is to create a mine-to-metal operation that produces battery-grade nickel, copper and cobalt for international markets,” he says. An Initial Assessment evaluates a vertically integrated mining, processing and refining operation, commencing with a high-grade nickel sulphide underground mine and concentrator at the Kabanga site, followed five years later by a hydrometallurgical refinery at Kahama. “The expanding lithium battery market, driven by electrification and decarbonisation, is a core end-use market for its nickel production, one that supports the long-term strategy in respect of the energy transition.” However, it’s not just about batteries, he points out, explaining that stainless steel – of which nickel is still a critical component – remains the core demand source, as it is a cornerstone of modern living. “Stainless steel is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5.2% over the next decade, underscoring its increasing role in global infrastructure. This is unsurprising, as its durability and resistance to corrosion make it the preferred choice for appliances, as well as making it the ideal choice for construction materials.”
34 MODERN MINING www.modernminingmagazine.co.za | DECEMBER 2025 - JANUARY 2026
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