Lifezone Metals Files the Feasibility Study Technical Report Summary for the Kabanga Nickel Project in Tanzania
Confirms Robust Economics and Declares First-Ever Mineral Reserves for the
Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves of 52.2 Million Tonnes (100% Basis; LZM Attributable: 43.9 Million Tonnes) Grading 1.98% Nickel, 0.27% Copper and 0.15% Cobalt
18-Year
Total Production of 902,000 Tonnes of Nickel, 134,000 Tonnes of Copper and 69,000 Tonnes of Cobalt in Intermediate Product over the Life of Mine (100% Basis)
First Quartile Cost of Production, with Low All-In Sustaining Costs Averaging
Low Initial Capital Intensity of Approximately
Webcast with Lifezone’s Leadership Team on
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Figure 1: Overview of the Kabanga site camp.
The Feasibility Study Technical Report Summary has been filed on Form 6-K with the
Feasibility Study Technical Report Summary highlights:
This Feasibility Study is based on detailed design and engineering to support an
The Feasibility Study is based solely on Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources converted to Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves respectively, and does not include Inferred Mineral Resources in the mine plan or economic analysis.
- 18-year life of mine mining operation with total ore production of 52.2 million tonnes (100% basis; Lifezone attributable is: 43.9 million tonnes) grading 1.98% nickel, 0.27% copper and 0.15% cobalt.
- 3.4 million tonnes per annum concentrator, producing a high-grade nickel, copper, and cobalt concentrate grading 17.5% nickel, as an intermediate product for downstream processing, and containing a total of 902,000 tonnes of nickel, 134,000 tonnes of copper and 69,000 tonnes of cobalt over the life of mine (100% basis).
-
Low all-in sustaining costs averaging
$3.36 per pound of nickel contained in concentrate, net of copper and cobalt by-product credits. Based on analysis provided byCRU International Ltd. (CRU Group ), Kabanga will fall within the first quartile of the global nickel cost curve. -
Pre-production capital costs of
$942 million , including 9.7% contingency. Total life of mine capital of$2.49 billion includes pre-production capital costs, contingency, capitalized operational expenditures, growth capital, sustaining and closure costs. Life of mine revenue from sales totals$14.1 billion , net of realization costs, with after-tax free cash flow of$4.6 billion . -
After-tax net present value of
$1.58 billion using an 8.0% discount rate and after-tax internal rate of return of 23.3%, based long-term consensus metal prices of$8.49 per pound nickel,$4.30 per pound copper, and$18.31 per pound cobalt. -
The
Government of Tanzania is expected to receive an equitable share of the total economic benefits from theKabanga 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.
Lifezone’s Board of Directors has approved the Kabanga Nickel Project Feasibility Study and directed management to commence with the execution readiness phase, including the project financing process leading to a Final Investment Decision. During this execution readiness phase, Lifezone will advance pending permitting, remaining approvals and commercial tenders, while finalizing technical work to support critical path construction activities. A diversified funding strategy is underway, and discussions are ongoing with strategic investors and lenders. Kabanga’s strong economics and alignment with global critical minerals priorities positions it well for sustainable financing.
MONDAY: Webcast with Lifezone’s leadership team at
The company invites shareholders, investors, and members of the media to join a virtual presentation and discussion of the key highlights of the Feasibility Study.
-
Date:
Monday, July 21, 2025 . -
Time:
10:00 AM Eastern Time . - Location: Virtual (please click the webcast registration link).
The presentation slides will be available on Lifezone’s website, and the webcast will be archived and accessible for replay for a limited time after the event.
Figure 1: Overview of the Kabanga site camp.
Table 1: Summary of the Feasibility Study results (100% basis).
|
|
|
18 years |
Total |
52.2 Mt |
Nameplate Mill Throughput |
3.4 Mtpa |
Average |
1.98% |
Average Copper Feed Grade |
0.27% |
Average Cobalt Feed Grade |
0.15% |
Average Nickel Recovery |
87.3% |
Average Copper Recovery |
95.6% |
Average Cobalt Recovery |
89.6% |
Total Concentrate Produced |
5,170 kt dry |
Average Nickel Concentrate Grade |
17.5% |
Moisture Content of Concentrate |
9.0% |
Total Nickel Production (in concentrate) |
902 kt |
Total Copper Production (in concentrate) |
134 kt |
Total Cobalt Production (in concentrate) |
69 kt |
Operating Costs |
|
Mining |
|
Processing |
|
Owner’s Cost and |
|
Total Site Operating Costs |
|
All-In Sustaining Costs |
|
Mining |
|
Processing |
|
G&A |
|
|
|
Total Cash Cost (before by-product credits) |
|
Royalties |
|
Sustaining Capital Expenditures |
|
All-In Sustaining Costs (before by-product credits) |
|
Copper By-Product Credit |
- |
Cobalt By-Product Credit |
- |
Total All-In Sustaining Costs |
|
Capital Expenditures |
|
Pre-Production Capital Expenditures (incl. contingency) |
|
Capitalized Operating Expenditures |
|
Growth Capital Expenditures |
|
Sustaining Capital Expenditures (incl. Closure) |
|
Total Capital Costs (incl. contingency) |
|
Valuation Metrics |
|
Long-Term |
|
Long-Term Copper Price |
|
Long-Term Cobalt Price |
|
Discount Rate |
8.0% |
After-Tax Net Present Value |
|
After-Tax Internal Rate of Return |
23.3% |
After-Tax Payback Period from first production |
4.5 years |
Capital Efficiency (NPV/Pre-Production Capex & Capitalized Opex) |
1.4 |
Kabanga Nickel Project Feasibility Study overview
The Feasibility Study outlines a development plan for the
Metallurgical concentrator recoveries are expected to average 87.3%, 95.6%, and 89.6% for nickel, copper, and cobalt respectively, achieved through conventional froth flotation. The concentrator will produce approximately 350,000 tonnes (dry) per annum nickel-copper-cobalt flotation concentrate containing 17.7% nickel, with only low levels of deleterious elements, at the steady-state 3.4 million tonnes per annum production rate. The high-grade nickel-copper-cobalt intermediate product will be transported to the
Figure 2: CRU Group’s nickel all-in sustaining costs for 2025.
DATA: CRU Nickel Cost Model and CRU Nickel Asset Services. Cost estimates for the
The Feasibility Study estimates pre-production capital expenditures of
Two years of construction is planned, followed by a four-year ramp-up to full-scale capacity for the mine and concentrator.
The capital cost, operating cost and sustaining capital cost estimates were prepared as part of the Feasibility Study and are classified as
Using long-term consensus metal prices of
Figure 3:
Kabanga is in the northwest of
Table 2: Kabanga Mineral Reserve Estimates3 as at
Mineral Reserve Classification |
Lifezone
|
Grades (%) |
Metallurgical Recovery (%) |
||||
(million tonnes) |
Nickel |
Copper |
Cobalt |
Nickel |
Copper |
Cobalt |
|
Total: Massive Sulfide plus Ultramafic |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proven |
14.9 |
1.84 |
0.25 |
0.15 |
86.4 |
94.9 |
88.9 |
Probable |
29.0 |
2.05 |
0.28 |
0.14 |
87.7 |
96.0 |
90.0 |
Proven + Probable |
43.9 |
1.98 |
0.27 |
0.15 |
87.3 |
95.6 |
89.6 |
1. |
The effective date of the Mineral Reserves is |
|
2. |
Mineral Reserves are reported based on the |
|
3. |
Mineral Reserves are reported showing the LZM-attributable tonnage portion, which is 84.0% of the total Project Mineral Reserves. |
|
4. |
Mineral Reserve cut-offs grades are based on a |
|
5. |
Elevated NSR cut-off values were selected for each mine namely, |
|
6. |
All the cut-off values include allowances for metallurgical recoveries, payability, deductions, transport and royalties. |
|
7. |
An economic analysis has been conducted using a long-term nickel price of |
|
8. |
The point of reference for the Mineral Reserves is the point of feed into the processing facility. |
|
9. |
Totals may vary due to rounding. |
|
10. |
The Ni, Cu, and Co recovery estimates for the respective MSSX and UMIN categories have been calculated using the metallurgical recovery algorithm formulas detailed in Section 10 (Table 10-12 and Table 10-13) and the combined Proven and Probable recovery for each reflects the weighted average recovery based on the tonnage and grade. The total combined recovery for the blend (MSSX+UMIN) reflects the outputs of the same recovery formula applied to the FS mine and processing schedule |
Mineral Reserve estimates have been classified in accordance with the definitions for Mineral Reserves in S-K 1300. Longhole stoping with paste backfill is the mining method which, following ramp-up, will produce 3.4 million tonnes per annum of ore. The Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves were estimated by calculating optimized economic cut-off values for mining underground stopes, in the various mine locations within the mine design.
Table 3: Kabanga Mineral Resource Estimates2 shown exclusive of Mineral Reserves at
Mineral Resource Classification |
Lifezone
|
Grades (%) |
Metallurgical Recovery (%) |
|||||
(million tonnes) |
NiEq24 |
Nickel |
Copper |
Cobalt |
Nickel |
Copper |
Cobalt |
|
MINERAL RESOURCE ALL ZONES – Massive Sulfide plus Ultramafic |
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Measured |
5.9 |
1.54 |
1.21 |
0.16 |
0.10 |
73.2 |
84.1 |
75.3 |
Indicated |
12.4 |
1.54 |
1.20 |
0.19 |
0.10 |
72.7 |
85.2 |
74.5 |
Measured + Indicated |
18.3 |
1.54 |
1.20 |
0.18 |
0.10 |
72.9 |
84.9 |
74.7 |
Inferred |
13.5 |
2.59 |
2.08 |
0.28 |
0.15 |
83.7 |
93.7 |
86.5 |
1. |
Mineral Resources in Table 3 are reported exclusive of Mineral Reserves (see Table 2). |
|
2. |
Mineral Resources are reported showing only the LZM-attributable tonnage portion, which is 84.0% of the total. |
|
3. |
Cut-off applies to NiEq24, which is derived using a nickel price of |
|
4. |
NiEq24 formulas are: MSSX NiEq24 = Ni + (Cu x 0.454) + (Co x 2.497) and UMIN NiEq24 = Ni + (Cu x 0.547) + (Co x 2.480). |
|
5. |
The point of reference for Mineral Resources is the point of feed into a concentrator. |
|
6. |
All Mineral Resources in the 2024MRU were assessed for reasonable prospects for economic extraction by reporting only material above cut-off grades of: MSSX NiEq24>0.73% and UMAF NiEq24>0.77%. |
|
7. |
Totals may vary due to rounding. |
Figure 4:
Feasibility Study confirms Kabanga as a low-cost, high-grade source of critical metals
The Feasibility Study includes an 18-year mine plan based on a detailed underground mine design, accessing Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves (see Table 2 above). Over the life of mine, the Project will produce a high-grade nickel-copper-cobalt intermediate product.
Total site operating costs are expected to average
Figure 5: Kabanga all-in sustaining cost breakdown.
Pre-production capital expenditures are estimated at
Pre-production capitalized operating expenditures are expected to total
The Feasibility Study confirms strong project economics under consensus long-term metal prices, including robust free cash flow, a compelling net present value and a high internal rate of return.
Figure 6: Estimated project cash flows.
In addition, the Feasibility Study demonstrates Kabanga’s strong economic resilience across a range of nickel price scenarios. Even under a
Figure 7: Sensitivity analysis of after-tax net present value (8%).
Mine development strategy supports early execution and long-term scalability
The Feasibility Study supports an underground mine at Kabanga, designed to balance early capital efficiency with long-term operational and product marketing flexibility. Access to the underground mining areas will be established via surface declines at both the North and Tembo zones. To support efficient material movement and traffic flow,
Figure 8:
Mining will be executed using longhole stoping with paste backfill, supported by a robust geotechnical model and engineered for mechanized, safe and efficient extraction. Stope dimensions and sequencing have been optimized to prioritize high-grade zones, particularly in the
Table 4: Ore mined by zone (100% basis).
Zone |
Ore Mined |
Ore Proportion |
Grades (%) |
||
(million tonnes) |
(%) |
Nickel |
Copper |
Cobalt |
|
North |
30.5 |
58% |
2.32 |
0.31 |
0.16 |
Tembo |
16.5 |
32% |
1.58 |
0.22 |
0.13 |
Main |
5.3 |
10% |
1.25 |
0.18 |
0.09 |
Total |
52.2 |
100% |
1.98 |
0.27 |
0.15 |
The underground timeline includes a two-year development and a four-year production ramp-up period, during which critical underground infrastructure (ventilation, dewatering, backfill systems, and services) will be established. To ensure disciplined execution and cost control, the first five years of mining will be undertaken by an experienced underground mining contactor, selected through a competitive tender process. This approach enables early revenue generation while preserving flexibility for future expansion.
Figure 9: Kabanga production schedule by source.
Conventional concentrator optimized for high-grade sulfide recovery
The Feasibility Study confirms the design of a 3.4 million tonne per annum concentrator at the Kabanga Site, aligned with the underground mine’s steady-state production rate. The facility will process both massive sulfide and disseminated ultramafic ore types.
The flowsheet incorporates conventional crushing, grinding, and flotation circuits to recover nickel, copper, and cobalt sulfide minerals. The concentrator will produce approximately 350,000 tonnes (dry) per year nickel-copper-cobalt flotation concentrate containing 17.7% nickel, 2.6% copper, and 1.3% cobalt, with low levels of deleterious elements such as magnesium oxide (averaging 0.6% over the life of mine), at the steady-state 3.4 million tonnes per annum production rate.
The flowsheet is based on proven, commercially established technology and uses widely available reagents, ensuring operational reliability and metallurgical efficiency. It also includes a dedicated pyrrhotite flotation circuit to separate iron sulfide minerals from the nickel-copper-cobalt flotation tailings.
Figure 10: Simplified concentrator process flowsheet.
Nickel-copper-cobalt intermediate product produced at the Kabanga Site will be loaded in sealed reusable flexible bulk containers with a payload of 9.3 tonnes each, and transported by road and rail to the
Non-pyrrhotite tailings will be used in underground paste backfill, while pyrrhotite tailings will be stored in a lined tailings storage facility.
With its high-grade, low-impurity intermediate product, Kabanga has received strong interest from potential offtake partners. Indicative, non-binding terms have been received for 100% of the intermediate product with potential customers providing payment and delivery terms.
Figure 11: Kabanga concentrator 3D model layout.
The Feasibility Study outlines a comprehensive and sustainable tailings management strategy in line with Global Industry Standard on
Tanzanian infrastructure investments strengthen Kabanga’s development platform
-
The Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (2,100 MW), now 99.8% complete. -
The Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), with cargo services already running between Dar es Salaam and Dodoma. -
DP World’s
$250 million investment into thePort of Dar es Salaam, which has significantly reduced vessel docking times and enhanced cargo handling efficiency.
These infrastructure upgrades will provide a strong foundation for Kabanga’s logistics strategy, enabling efficient transport, and positioning
Figure 12: Key routes of Tanzania’s
Image source:
At the Kabanga Site, intermediate product will be loaded into reusable flexible bulk containers under a covered facility and transported approximately 347 kilometers by road to the Isaka Dry Port using contractor-operated flatbed trucks. From Isaka, the intermediate product will be railed 894 kilometers via the
Figure 13: Kabanga proposed logistics route.
Aligning with leading international ESG frameworks
Lifezone is committed to the responsible development of the
In addition to national requirements, the project seeks alignment with leading international ESG standards and frameworks, including the International Finance Corporation Performance Standards, the Equator Principles, the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management, and guidelines issued by the
Comprehensive Environmental and Social Impact Assessments have been completed for the Kabanga Site and the Resettlement Sites, with approval certificates granted by Tanzania’s
Figure 14: Signing of compensation agreements by a Physically Displaced Household, facilitated by Ramson Msemakweli, Resettlement Lead,
As of
The Resettlement Action Plan is supported by a Resettlement Stakeholder Engagement Plan and a
Advancing economic growth and industrial development in
The Framework Agreement signed with the
At steady-state operations, the Project will employ approximately 1,090 people, with 91% of roles projected to be filled by Tanzanian nationals. The workforce strategy includes skills development, localization planning and engagement with the
The proposed
Comparison to the
The completion of the Feasibility Study marks a significant milestone in the development of the
Table 5: Comparison of key metrics between the Initial Assessment and Feasibility Study.
Project Metrics (100% basis) |
Initial Assessment
|
Feasibility Study
|
Scope |
Integrated mine, concentrator
|
Mine and concentrator only |
IA Mine Plan / FS |
22 years |
18 years |
Mineral Reserves |
n/a |
P&P: 52.2 Mt @ 1.98% Ni,
|
Nameplate Mill Throughput |
3.4 Mtpa |
3.4 Mtpa |
Total |
67.9 Mt |
52.2 Mt |
Average |
1.93% |
1.98% |
Average Nickel Recovery |
87.3% |
87.3% |
Average Nickel Concentrate Grade |
17.3% |
17.5% |
Total All-In Sustaining Costs |
|
|
Pre-Production Capex |
|
|
Total Project Capex |
|
|
Valuation Metrics |
|
|
Long-Term |
|
|
Discount Rate |
8.0% |
8.0% |
After-Tax Net Present Value |
|
|
After-Tax Internal Rate of Return |
22.9% |
23.3% |
After-Tax Payback Period (from first production) |
7.1 years |
4.5 years |
Capital Efficiency (NPV/Pre-Production & Growth Capex) |
1.3 |
1.4 |
For information on the |
Looking ahead
With the completion of the Feasibility Study, the
Additional technical work is planned to further de-risk the mine plan, confirm infrastructure design and prepare for early works execution. This includes advancing detailed underground mine design, refining ventilation systems and completing procurement planning for long-lead items.
To support project development, Lifezone is pursuing a diversified funding strategy that includes a mix of equity, strategic partnerships and project-level debt. Engagements are ongoing with development finance institutions, commercial lenders and potential strategic investors. The project’s robust economics, low operating costs and alignment with global critical minerals priorities position Kabanga as a strong candidate for sustainable financing. Lifezone expects to finalize the funding package following the completion of Final Investment Decision-enabling activities.
Qualified Persons
The “Feasibility Study – Technical Report Summary Kabanga Nickel Project” is dated
DRA is a third-party firm comprising mining experts in their respective fields in accordance with 17 CFR § 229.1302(b)(1).
Lifezone has determined that the appointed consultants meet the qualifications specified under the definition of QP in 17 CFR § 229.1300.
Refer to Table 2-1 of the Feasibility Study Technical Report Summary for additional detail on the QPs' responsibility per report section.
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Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements made herein are not historical facts but may be considered “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the “safe harbor” provisions under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding, amongst other things, the plans, strategies, intentions and prospects, both business and financial, of
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These statements are based on the current expectations of Lifezone Metals’ management and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on, by any investor as a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of
The foregoing list of risk factors is not exhaustive. There may be additional risks that
These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Lifezone Metals’ assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this communication. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements in this communication, which are based upon information available to us as of the date they are made and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the cautionary statements herein. In all cases where historical performance is presented, please note that past performance is not a credible indicator of future results.
Except as otherwise required by applicable law, we disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect changes in underlying assumptions or factors, new information, data, or methods, future events, or other changes after the date of this communication.
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Investor Relations –
SVP: Investor Relations & Capital Markets
evan.young@lifezonemetals.com
Investor Relations –
Chief Financial Officer
ingo.hofmaier@lifezonemetals.com
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