Nickel is essential for the creation of stainless steel, renewable energy technologies, batteries, alloys and plating – Raglan Mine in Nunavik, Canada.
The Raglan nickel mine is located in Nunavik, Canada, 100 km (62 miles) from Deception Bay, near the 62nd parallel. It currently has four underground operations and two open-pit operations. Besides nickel, other commodities extracted here include copper, cobalt, gold, silver and platinum. In 2022, it excavated 24,232 tonnes of nickel, 5,488 tonnes of 5,488 tonnes and 498 tonnes of cobalt.
The ore is processed on-site in four stages: grinding; flotation; dewatering and filtration; and finally, drying. This concentrate is then transported to Deception Bay for storage and shipping. It is then shipped to Sudbury, Ontario, for smelting, and then to Kristiansand, Norway for refining.
The location of the Raglan mine makes it subject to the harsh winters of the Arctic and permafrost, whilst its large size means it has its own road network and airstrip (Raglan Airport) which it shares with local communities. The communities of Nunavik have a population of over 11,000, many of whom are indigenous Inuit. Furthermore, the region’s highly diverse ecosystems and wildlife make social responsibility and environmental management all the more crucial. The 1995 Raglan Agreement contains provisions regarding local procurement and employment, as well as the environmental impact of nickel extraction.