Largest Nickel Mine Reopens After 30 Years

The Fenix ​​Mine, the largest nickel mine in Central America, begins operations after years of inactivity. Fenix ​​is ​​a world-class ferro-nickel ore development project with proven huge reserves.

The largest nickel mine in Guatemala has been closed for 30 years. During his recent visit to the region, President Otto Perez opened the mine. He called the mine the largest investment project in the history of the nation. The 25-year license to operate the mine was issued in April 2006 to the Solway Group, which owns 98.2 percent and the Guatemalan government holds the remaining 1.8 percent.

The authorities made the decision amid violent clashes between local residents and security forces in disputes over land ownership and ongoing lawsuits. Years of misunderstanding and harassment in the Fenix ​​region have been a hindrance to mining. Some of the people have filed claims for ownership of these lands.

The Fenix ​​Mine is one of the largest nickel mines in Guatemala, located in
El Estorom in the Isabel region. The mining potential of the deposit is estimated at 36.1 million tonnes of ore, which is complemented by extensive resources outside the planned mining area. The Fenix ​​mine has a nickel content of 1.86 percent.

The Solway Group is currently completing the initial phase of the project and is seeking to launch a ferronickel processing plant. The implementation of the Fenix ​​project represents significant economic opportunities for the Guatemalan economy and local communities in the project area.