Horizonte Minerals PLC (AIM:HZM, TSX:HZM, OTC:HZMMF) said it awarded the industrial civil works contract for the construction of its Araguaia nickel project to a leading Brazilian construction company.
Under the contract, Companhia Paranaense de Construção SA (Copa) will supply and install the process plant foundations and related civil works for the supporting infrastructure.
Copa has extensive experience in mining projects and civil infrastructure and was awarded the earthworks services contract at Araguaia in May.
READ: Horizonte Minerals awards key earthworks contract for construction of Araguaia project
The contract scope has been designed to leverage Copa's reduced mobilisation requirements and familiarity with the project, said Horizonte, adding that this would help accelerate the installation of the foundations for the furnace and allow the start of furnace shell installation in the fourth quarter.
“The extension of our relationship with Copa, as a partner in the development of Araguaia, is another key milestone in the project's construction schedule,” said Horizonte chief executive Jeremy Martin.
Araguaia, a Tier 1 project in Brazil’s Parà state, is expected to produce 29,000 tonnes of nickel per year for the stainless steel market.