Kuniko’s path of discoveries and strategic partnerships are helping to propel the European battery metals industry.
In the quest for a greener and sustainable future, the electrification of transportation stands as a critical milestone. Kuniko Limited (Kuniko), is an Australian-listed exploration company (ASX ticker: KNI) leading the charge in the European battery metals industry.
With its sights set on metals for electromobility, Kuniko is committed to providing sustainable, low-carbon, and ethical sources of battery metals. Through groundbreaking discoveries and strategic partnerships, the company is driving the transition to cleaner energy and reshaping the battery supply chain. Kuniko’s recent achievements and commitment to sustainability position it as a key player in the electrification of transportation and the global energy transition.
Kuniko’s portfolio encompasses copper, nickel, cobalt, and lithium projects in Norway and Canada.
By developing local sources of battery raw materials, the company aims to minimise the length of the battery supply chain and overall carbon footprint to support sustainable energy solutions for the European battery metals industry.
Cobalt discoveries: Unveiling the potential
At the historic Skuterud Cobalt Project, Kuniko struck cobalt mineralisation, hinting at immense potential.
Recent assay results confirmed robust cobalt and copper mineralisation at the Middagshvile target, with an exceptional high-grade cobalt discovery near the surface highlighted by an intercept of 6.2m @ 0.43% Co from 25.2m, along with an impressive intersection of 1m @ 1.08% Co from 30.4m.
The continuity of mineralisation along strike indicates exciting possibilities for further exploration.
Nickel exploration: Unearthing optimism
The Ertelien Nickel Project, part of Kuniko’s Ringerike Battery Metals Project, has demonstrated high-grade nickel and copper mineralisation, fuelling optimism for its future development.
The maiden diamond drilling programme at the Ertelien Nickel Project on the Ringerike license area has shown significant intersections, including 25.1m @ 1.14% Ni, 1.20% Cu, 0.07% Co, and 0.165 g/t Au.
Geophysical surveys are optimising drillholes for resource estimation, promising further progress and great potential for the European battery metals industry.
Copper prospects: Unravelling new targets
Kuniko’s Undal-Nyberget Copper-Zinc Project is another highlight of the company’s diverse portfolio. Ongoing field programmes utilising ground electromagnetic surveys have identified new high-priority conductor targets along strike of the Nyberget Mine. This establishes exciting possibilities for additional mineral styles and further exploration.
At the Vågå Project, assay results from Åsoren mine samples demonstrate highly encouraging grades of high-grade zinc, copper, and cobalt mineralisation while historical data and initial reconnaissance samples from the Fløttum and Gullvåg Projects suggest significant high-grade copper and zinc potential.
Strategic partnership with Stellantis: Paving the way for sustainability
In a groundbreaking development, Stellantis, a leading automaker, invested €5m in Kuniko, acquiring a 19.99% shareholding and securing 35% future production of nickel and cobalt sulphate from Kuniko’s Norwegian projects. This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in the journey towards a greener, carbon-neutral society.
The Norwegian government’s Fast Track Mining Initiative for Critical Minerals streamlines mining permits to ensure a reliable supply of minerals while reducing reliance on non-European sources. Kuniko welcomes this initiative as it aligns with its commitment to sustainability and responsible exploration.
Lithium exploration: Charting new territories
Kuniko is actively exploring lithium prospects in Canada’s James Bay region and Sweden. Early-stage fieldwork has been completed at Fraser and Mia North projects in James Bay, with further exploration planned at the Nemaska South project. Collaborating with McKnight Resources AB, early-stage exploration of lithium prospects in Sweden has commenced.
Sustainably reshaping the European battery supply chain
With a strong commitment to sustainability and responsible mining practices, Kuniko aims to reshape the battery supply chain by providing low-carbon battery metals to the European battery metals industry and beyond. Proximity to nickel and cobalt refineries, favourable mining jurisdictions, and skilled labour forces strengthen Kuniko’s advantage in the market.
Kuniko has achieved carbon-neutral service certification, showcasing its commitment to measuring and minimising emissions through accredited offset schemes. By leveraging renewable hydropower and exploring electrification options, the company aims to further minimise its carbon footprint.
The demand for alternative sources of battery metals is on the rise due to supply chain risks and geopolitical factors. Through its dedication to sustainability, ethical mining, and net-zero carbon initiatives, Kuniko is positioned as a key player in driving the electric vehicle (EV) revolution.
Kuniko’s battery metals journey
With groundbreaking discoveries, strategic partnerships, and responsible exploration, Kuniko leads the charge towards a greener future.
As the world embraces sustainable energy, Kuniko stands as a frontrunner in its exploration for critical raw materials for the EV revolution and a sustainable tomorrow. Its presence in Norway and Canada puts Kuniko at the forefront of a cleaner, greener electric vehicle industry, sparking innovation and paving the way for a sustainable energy paradigm.
Please note, this article will also appear in the fifteenth edition of our quarterly publication.
