:: LionOre Mining's Activox Nickel Refining Approved in Botswana

LionOre Mining International Ltd. has gained approval from the government of Botswana to start building a $620-million nickel refinery that it has been developing for nine years.

The system, which the company calls Activox, uses a chemical solution to extract metals from finely ground ore at low temperature and moderate pressure, the company said. When complete in 2009, the refinery will make it possible to produce 22 000 metric tons (24 250 t) of nickel a year from the company's Tati Nickel mine, it said in a statement.

The refinery will be built at the Tati Mine and will be 15% owned by the Botswana government, LionOre said.