My understanding is that Ecopro and BSX started their discussions over two years ago whilst BSX were exploring cobalt.
Ecopro are the worlds second largest nickel-rich cathode materials manufacturer, they approached BSX to find and mine nickel to supply their production.
They invested 6.8 Million in BSX.
BSX have done a fantastic job with acquiring the Ta Khoa Nickel-Copper-PGE Project.
Ta Khoa provides:
- A 'Green' mine - A mine with an existing concentrator - Located in a nickel rich district - Strategically located within Vietnam, a manufacturing hub to supply Asia.
BSX is well on their way to delivering Nickel as agreed for Ecopro.
BSX are currently conducting further drillings of Ta Khoa with a impressive amount of 9 rigs, mapping out the area so it can be included in the PFS.
PFS will supply the figures Ecopro need to talk price to proceed with a JV.
Ecopro have no reason to walk away from this. It is exactly what they wanted and invested in.
Even if they did, I don't think it would be a deal breaker for Blackstone.
They would be in a really good position to take on a JV with anyone looking to secure Nickel.
