Australian exploration company Axiom Mining has sought exploration permission to continue nickel laterite mining in Minnamoolka, Queensland.
As per the permit application, the company intends to explore 19km2, which covers the southern and western extensions of the Minnamoolka deposit, owned by Metallica Minerals.
The project is expected to house potential nickel deposit with both the upper limonitic and lower saprolitic zones of laterite as per the surface mineralization indications and previous drilling information.
Axiom is currently conducting operations to develop direct shipping of nickel laterite similar to the Isabel nickel deposit in the Solomon Islands.
The known mineralization, multiple transaport options and proximity to three ports as well as a nickel refinery north of Townsville has made the North Queensland location favorable for this type of mining.