Jaguar Project Slashes Carbon Footprint, Sets New Nickel Industry Benchmark
Centaurus Metals’ Jaguar Nickel Sulphide Project in Brazil has further reduced its carbon emissions, reinforcing its status as a world-leading low-emission nickel producer and attracting strategic investor interest.
- Jaguar’s updated carbon footprint estimate is 10% lower than prior assessment
- Life-of-mine emissions forecast at 6.54 tonnes CO2 per tonne nickel equivalent
- Emissions 86% below global nickel industry average
- Project powered entirely by renewable energy from Brazil’s national grid
- High-grade nickel concentrate production reduces transport-related emissions
Jaguar’s Carbon Credentials Strengthened
Centaurus Metals Limited has released an updated independent environmental, social, and governance (ESG) assessment for its 100%-owned Jaguar Nickel Sulphide Project in Brazil, confirming it as one of the world’s lowest carbon footprint nickel operations. The new study, conducted by London-based ESG research firm Skarn Associates, shows a 10% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to the previous 2024 assessment.
The life-of-mine greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for Jaguar are now forecast at 6.54 tonnes of CO2 per tonne of nickel equivalent (NiEq), a figure that places the project below 90% of global nickel production in terms of carbon intensity. This is a remarkable 86% reduction compared to the nickel industry’s volume-weighted average of 46.6 tonnes CO2/t NiEq.
Drivers Behind the Low Emissions
The improved carbon footprint stems from Jaguar’s production of a high-grade nickel concentrate exceeding 30% nickel content, which significantly reduces the volume of material needing transport to downstream processors. Transport and downstream processing are major contributors to nickel’s overall emissions, so this reduction has a meaningful impact.
In addition, Jaguar’s operations will be powered entirely by renewable energy sourced from Brazil’s 230kV national grid, which primarily comprises hydro and solar power. This clean energy supply underpins the project’s on-site emissions, which are exceptionally low at just 1.62 tonnes CO2 per tonne NiEq (Scope 1 and 2 emissions).
Strategic Implications and Market Positioning
Centaurus’ Managing Director Darren Gordon highlighted the significance of these findings, noting that Jaguar’s world-class resource base of 1.2 million tonnes of contained nickel metal combined with its outstanding ESG credentials positions the project strongly to attract strategic investment and off-take agreements. In an era where decarbonization is a key priority for battery metals supply chains, Jaguar’s low emissions profile offers a compelling advantage.
Skarn Associates’ proprietary E1 GHG Emission Metrics® provide a comprehensive view of emissions from mining through to first saleable product, including freight and downstream processing. Jaguar’s performance on this metric is among the best globally, reinforcing its appeal to customers and investors seeking sustainable nickel sources.
Looking Ahead
As the nickel market increasingly values low-carbon production, Jaguar’s enhanced carbon footprint credentials could accelerate project development and partnerships. However, the actual emissions will depend on operational execution and market dynamics, including the final locations of downstream processing.
Bottom Line?
Jaguar’s deepened ESG credentials set a new benchmark in nickel mining, but execution risks remain as the project advances.
Questions in the middle?
- Will Centaurus secure strategic partnerships leveraging Jaguar’s low-carbon profile?
- How will downstream processing locations impact Jaguar’s overall emissions in practice?
- Can Jaguar maintain its renewable energy sourcing commitments amid evolving grid dynamics?
