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Russian mining major MMC Norilsk Nickel (Norilsk) has revealed that it is to sell its Southern African and all its other international assets by the end of 2016.

This process, which will start next year, is part of the group’s new strategy, which will see it focus on ‘Tier 1’ assets. The new strategy will also see a clear focus on nickel and the associated copper and platinum-group metals (PGMs).

Currently, Norilsk Nickel Africa embraces two main operations – Tati Nickel, in Botswana, and Nkomati Nickel, in South Africa. Norilsk owns 85% of Tati (the other 15% is held by the Botswana government) and 50% of Nkomati, which is a joint venture with South African group African Rainbow Minerals, which has management control. Both Tati and Nkomati also produce copper, palladium and platinum as by-products. Further, Norilsk has a 6% shareholding in Botswana mining company BCL, the remaining 94% belonging to the Botswana government.

http://www.miningweekly.com/article/russias-norilsk-unveils-new-strategy-and-technology-2013-10-25