Nickel ores and concentrates

1. Scope and Applicability

Supply of nickel mineral ores and concentrates at one declared mine, preparation/loading or explicitly included delivery gate. Cover sulfide ores, lateritic oxide/hydrous-silicate ores and other independently confirmed nickel-category mineral ores, including nickel-cobalt or nickel-copper-bearing grades. Surface and underground mining, standalone supplied-ore preparation and actual crushing, screening, washing/scrubbing, sorting, magnetic/gravity separation, grinding, flotation and concentrate thickening/filtration are conditioned on actual mineralogy and operation. Do not require flotation for laterite or ore-only output; distinguish limonite and saprolite and retain actual clay, moisture, Fe/Mg/Si and associated-metal evidence. Other mineral ores and novel routes require their own geological identity and actual process/exchange collection, not assumed sulfide intensities. Qualified thermal mineral-feed preparation is included only when the output still has confirmed ore/mineral-concentrate identity, with measured phase changes and sulfur/water/offgas balance. Smelting matte, ferronickel/nickel pig iron, dissolved leach solution, chemically precipitated mixed hydroxide/sulfide, nickel sulfate/oxide chemicals and refined nickel metal are separate products; commercial use of the word concentrate does not convert a precipitated chemical into mineral concentrate. Exclude recycled metal and industrial slag as mineral-ore feed; geological material recovered from old mine stocks retains its actual upstream/cut-off and rehabilitation burden. Include attributable development/closure, handling, tailings, water/air control and agreed transport only through the selected gate. bgs-nickel-2008, wco-hs26-2022, ifc-mining-2007

2. Product Category Identity

Field	Value
canonical_pcr_id	pcr.ores-and-minerals-electricity-gas-and-water.metal-ores.nickel-ores-and-concentrates
classification_refs	CPC 3.0:14220
covered_products	Nickel mineral ores and concentrates: sulfide, lateritic oxide/hydrous-silicate and other confirmed nickel-category mineral grades; actual qualified normally prepared feeds, with associated metals separately assayed
excluded_products	Nickel/copper/cobalt smelting matte; ferronickel and nickel pig iron; metal or recycled scrap; industrial slags; leach solutions; chemically precipitated MHP/MSP, nickel sulfate/oxide chemicals; transport-only services or separately declared cobalt/copper/precious-metal reference categories
representative_product	Nickel-cobalt ore at declared plant gate
production_route	Mine development and closure; Nickel mineral extraction; Laterite ore preparation; Nickel mineral concentration; Qualified mineral thermal preparation; Tailings water and air management; Included mineral delivery; Accepted mineral-product handling
market_state	One accepted nickel mineral ore or concentrate grade at a stated loading/receipt gate, with measured free moisture, mineral phase and dry-basis nickel/associated-element assays

3. Reference Flow

Field	Value
What	Supply1 kg of accepted nickel mineral ore or concentrate in its stated market condition; contained nickel is a separately calculated qualifier, not1 kg nickel metal
How much	1 kg
How well	site/year; geological/mineral ore identity; sulfide/laterite-limonite/laterite-saprolite or other confirmed route; surface/underground/supplied-stock route; ore or concentrate; actual preparation and thermal phase; dry-basis Ni, Co, Cu, Fe, Mg, Si, sulfur and relevant deleterious-element assays; free versus bound water; particle size; actual gate/transport; accepted mass and stocks; measured recovery; tailings/waste fate; water basin and return; joint-product/provider allocation and lifetime development output; representative UUID only for nickel-cobalt ore Product/Mass at a compatible plant gate; other ore grades and concentrates need their own exact identities
How long or cycle	One gate supply within a declared production period
reference_flow_link	final_product

Field	Value
Reference amount	1
Reference product flow	Nickel-cobalt ore 63f90633-2913-4600-a84e-3cc59f562a03
Reference flow property	Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66
Reference unit group	Units of mass 93a60a57-a4c8-11da-a746-0800200c9a66
Reference unit	kg
Required qualifiers	site/year; geological/mineral ore identity; sulfide/laterite-limonite/laterite-saprolite or other confirmed route; surface/underground/supplied-stock route; ore or concentrate; actual preparation and thermal phase; dry-basis Ni, Co, Cu, Fe, Mg, Si, sulfur and relevant deleterious-element assays; free versus bound water; particle size; actual gate/transport; accepted mass and stocks; measured recovery; tailings/waste fate; water basin and return; joint-product/provider allocation and lifetime development output; representative UUID only for nickel-cobalt ore Product/Mass at a compatible plant gate; other ore grades and concentrates need their own exact identities

Declare all qualifiers in dataset metadata or reference-flow comments. The representative identity is usable only for its confirmed product state, geography and property; resolve a distinct flow for incompatible variants. It does not impose a default product composition.

4. Measurement and Unit Rules

rule_id	Applies to	Required property	Required unit	Rule
reference_basis	final_product	Mass	kg	D is the positive accepted net gate-output total in kg. Exclude packaging and cancelled internal transfers. cp_output records D; every card uses per 1 kg reference flow.
conversion	utility and material rows	Declared row property	kg; m3; MJ	Retain raw readings. Electricity: 1 kWh = 3.6 MJ. Mass/volume conversion requires measured density, temperature and applicable pressure; retain water content and active chemical fraction.
category_balance	production	Mass	kg	D is independently weighed positive accepted net as-received mineral-product kg at the stated gate, excluding packaging, rejects and cancelled internal transfers. Measure wet-basis free-moisture fraction w with0 <= w <1; dry mineral mass = D*(1-w). Measure dry-basis nickel mass fraction g with0 <= g <=1; contained Ni kg = D*(1-w)*g, with D retained as inventory denominator. Bound water in laterite hydrous minerals is not free moisture; disclose drying assay method and thermal phase so dehydroxylation cannot silently redefine dry basis. Reconcile dry mineral solids and each Ni/Co/Cu component in feed, product, separated concentrates, tailings, rejects and stocks, separately from new/circulating/evaporated/discharged water. Recovery requires matched feed/output dry mass and assays after stock adjustment; neither concentrate grade nor refinery yield establishes mining recovery. Thermal preparation requires measured phase, water, sulfur and actual oxidation/offgas balances; additional actual gases and pollutants each separate.

5. System Boundary

Boundary Abstraction

Field	Value
declared_starting_condition	Actual identified nickel-bearing geological deposit for integrated extraction, or supplied ore with identified provider and upstream burdens for standalone preparation; internal transfers cancel
starting_condition_role	Resource or supplied feed; declare which
product_classification_scope	Nickel mineral ores and concentrates: sulfide, lateritic oxide/hydrous-silicate and other confirmed nickel-category mineral grades; actual qualified normally prepared feeds, with associated metals separately assayed
recursive_input_rule	Purchased same-category material carries a distinct supplier dataset; internal recycling is a balance observation, not a new external input or credit.
upstream_dataset_requirement	Link feed, electricity, fuels, chemicals, infrastructure and waste-management burdens; disclose any missing coverage.
disclosure	site/year; geological/mineral ore identity; sulfide/laterite-limonite/laterite-saprolite or other confirmed route; surface/underground/supplied-stock route; ore or concentrate; actual preparation and thermal phase; dry-basis Ni, Co, Cu, Fe, Mg, Si, sulfur and relevant deleterious-element assays; free versus bound water; particle size; actual gate/transport; accepted mass and stocks; measured recovery; tailings/waste fate; water basin and return; joint-product/provider allocation and lifetime development output; representative UUID only for nickel-cobalt ore Product/Mass at a compatible plant gate; other ore grades and concentrates need their own exact identities

rule_id	Applies to	Rule	source_ids
boundary_operations	site	Supply of nickel mineral ores and concentrates at one declared mine, preparation/loading or explicitly included delivery gate. Cover sulfide ores, lateritic oxide/hydrous-silicate ores and other independently confirmed nickel-category mineral ores, including nickel-cobalt or nickel-copper-bearing grades. Surface and underground mining, standalone supplied-ore preparation and actual crushing, screening, washing/scrubbing, sorting, magnetic/gravity separation, grinding, flotation and concentrate thickening/filtration are conditioned on actual mineralogy and operation. Do not require flotation for laterite or ore-only output; distinguish limonite and saprolite and retain actual clay, moisture, Fe/Mg/Si and associated-metal evidence. Other mineral ores and novel routes require their own geological identity and actual process/exchange collection, not assumed sulfide intensities. Qualified thermal mineral-feed preparation is included only when the output still has confirmed ore/mineral-concentrate identity, with measured phase changes and sulfur/water/offgas balance. Smelting matte, ferronickel/nickel pig iron, dissolved leach solution, chemically precipitated mixed hydroxide/sulfide, nickel sulfate/oxide chemicals and refined nickel metal are separate products; commercial use of the word concentrate does not convert a precipitated chemical into mineral concentrate. Exclude recycled metal and industrial slag as mineral-ore feed; geological material recovered from old mine stocks retains its actual upstream/cut-off and rehabilitation burden. Include attributable development/closure, handling, tailings, water/air control and agreed transport only through the selected gate.	bgs-nickel-2008, wco-hs26-2022, ifc-mining-2007
boundary_partition	all exchanges	Include actual conditioning, storage, handling and pollution controls through the declared gate. Account for attributable construction and closure with a disclosed lifetime-output basis or justified exclusion and sensitivity. Separate purchased fuel supply from foreground combustion and purchased treatment from site releases.
boundary_completeness	inventory	Cards define individual likely exchanges and route conditions, not an exhaustive site audit. Add each actual absent chemical, waste, resource, land transformation and pollutant as its own row. Absence, measured zero and unknown must be distinguished.

6. Process Inventory Structure

Process Map

process_id	process_name	inclusion	inclusion_condition	role	quantitative_reference
development	Mine development and closure	conditional	Integrated mining with attributable development/rehabilitation	Foreground production	per 1 kg reference flow
extraction	Nickel mineral extraction	conditional	Actual surface/underground mining; other confirmed sources require their own method and additional exchanges	Foreground production	per 1 kg reference flow
laterite	Laterite ore preparation	conditional	Actual oxide/hydrous-silicate ore receiving, screening/scrubbing/sorting; not mandatory flotation	Foreground production	per 1 kg reference flow
concentration	Nickel mineral concentration	conditional	Actual sulfide or other mineral-specific concentration, including measured magnetic/gravity/flotation circuits	Foreground production	per 1 kg reference flow
thermal	Qualified mineral thermal preparation	conditional	Only actual drying or preparation retaining confirmed mineral-feed identity, not downstream metal production	Foreground production	per 1 kg reference flow
controls	Tailings water and air management	conditional	Actual waste, drainage and pollution-control scope	Foreground production	per 1 kg reference flow
delivery	Included mineral delivery	conditional	Only explicitly included receipt-gate transport	Foreground production	per 1 kg reference flow
dispatch	Accepted mineral-product handling	required	Every declared mineral output gate	Foreground production	per 1 kg reference flow

Process: Mine development and closure (development)

Inputs

Product flows

Nickel-mine development diesel (development_diesel)

Actual development/rehabilitation machinery attributed once over measured lifetime output.

• Selected flow: Diesel fuel 9d258d75-6792-4f1c-9856-81602ed8f816
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: Collect the attributable reporting-period quantity under cp_development_diesel; divide by D after stock, transfer and allocation reconciliation.
• Value mode: foreground_record
• Specificity: site_specific
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg reference flow
• Basis kind: reference_flow
• Evidence kind: collected_record
• Collection protocol: cp_development_diesel
• Sources: bgs-nickel-2008, wco-hs26-2022, ifc-mining-2007

Process: Nickel mineral extraction (extraction)

Inputs

Product flows

Nickel-mine extraction and onsite-haul diesel (mining_diesel)

Actual machinery/ore and waste-rock haul; distinguish later external delivery.

• Selected flow: Diesel fuel 9d258d75-6792-4f1c-9856-81602ed8f816
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: Collect the attributable reporting-period quantity under cp_mining_diesel; divide by D after stock, transfer and allocation reconciliation.
• Value mode: foreground_record
• Specificity: site_specific
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg reference flow
• Basis kind: reference_flow
• Evidence kind: collected_record
• Collection protocol: cp_mining_diesel
• Sources: bgs-nickel-2008, wco-hs26-2022, ifc-mining-2007

Nickel-mine extraction electricity (mining_power)

This purchased electricity exchange requires independently confirmed actual supplier, consumption or production interface, geography, voltage, generation attributes and energy property/unit; its UUID remains unresolved until a compatible direct-read identity is confirmed. A waste-incineration generation flow must not represent arbitrary site power.

Actual drilling/conveying/dewatering/underground ventilation with circuit attribution.

• Selected flow: Electricity
• Flow property / unit: Net calorific value / MJ
• Amount rule: Collect the attributable reporting-period quantity under cp_mining_power; divide by D after stock, transfer and allocation reconciliation.
• Value mode: foreground_record
• Specificity: site_specific
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg reference flow
• Basis kind: reference_flow
• Evidence kind: collected_record
• Collection protocol: cp_mining_power
• Sources: bgs-nickel-2008, wco-hs26-2022, ifc-mining-2007

Ammonium-nitrate/fuel-oil explosive (anfo)

Only actual ANFO blasting; laterite digging without blasting excludes, other explosive/detonators each separate.

• Selected flow: Ammonium-nitrate/fuel-oil explosive
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: Collect the attributable reporting-period quantity under cp_anfo; divide by D after stock, transfer and allocation reconciliation.
• Value mode: foreground_record
• Specificity: site_specific
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg reference flow
• Basis kind: reference_flow
• Evidence kind: collected_record
• Collection protocol: cp_anfo
• Sources: bgs-nickel-2008, wco-hs26-2022, ifc-mining-2007

Elementary flows

Nickel-bearing sulfide mineral ore in geological deposit (sulfide_resource)

Actual geological sulfide extraction with measured mineralogy/assays; a product ore is not elementary resource.

• Selected flow: Nickel-bearing sulfide mineral ore in geological deposit
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: Collect the attributable reporting-period quantity under cp_sulfide_resource; divide by D after stock, transfer and allocation reconciliation.
• Value mode: foreground_record
• Specificity: site_specific
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg reference flow
• Basis kind: reference_flow
• Evidence kind: collected_record
• Collection protocol: cp_sulfide_resource
• Sources: bgs-nickel-2008, wco-hs26-2022, ifc-mining-2007

Nickel-bearing laterite mineral ore in geological deposit (laterite_resource)

Actual laterite geological extraction with measured limonite/saprolite horizon and assays; other mineral deposits each need their own identity.

• Selected flow: Nickel-bearing laterite mineral ore in geological deposit
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: Collect the attributable reporting-period quantity under cp_laterite_resource; divide by D after stock, transfer and allocation reconciliation.
• Value mode: foreground_record
• Specificity: site_specific
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg reference flow
• Basis kind: reference_flow
• Evidence kind: collected_record
• Collection protocol: cp_laterite_resource
• Sources: bgs-nickel-2008, wco-hs26-2022, ifc-mining-2007

Outputs

Waste flows

Nickel-mine waste rock (waste_rock)

Actual rejected rock transferred to management with acid-generation/mineral assays; distinguish placed overburden and ore stock.

• Selected flow: Nickel-mine waste rock
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: Collect the attributable reporting-period quantity under cp_waste_rock; divide by D after stock, transfer and allocation reconciliation.
• Value mode: foreground_record
• Specificity: site_specific
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg reference flow
• Basis kind: reference_flow
• Evidence kind: collected_record
• Collection protocol: cp_waste_rock
• Sources: bgs-nickel-2008, wco-hs26-2022, ifc-mining-2007

Process: Laterite ore preparation (laterite)

Inputs

Product flows

Supplied nickel-bearing laterite ore (supplied_laterite)

Standalone actual oxide/hydrous-silicate supplied ore with upstream provider, horizon, moisture/assays; integrated internal feed cancels.

• Selected flow: Supplied nickel-bearing laterite ore
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: Collect the attributable reporting-period quantity under cp_supplied_laterite; divide by D after stock, transfer and allocation reconciliation.
• Value mode: foreground_record
• Specificity: site_specific
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg reference flow
• Basis kind: reference_flow
• Evidence kind: collected_record
• Collection protocol: cp_supplied_laterite
• Sources: bgs-nickel-2008, wco-hs26-2022, ifc-mining-2007

Laterite-preparation electricity (laterite_power)

This purchased electricity exchange requires independently confirmed actual supplier, consumption or production interface, geography, voltage, generation attributes and energy property/unit; its UUID remains unresolved until a compatible direct-read identity is confirmed. A waste-incineration generation flow must not represent arbitrary site power.

Actual screening/scrubbing/sorting/conveying/dewatering; no imposed sulfide milling or flotation.

• Selected flow: Electricity
• Flow property / unit: Net calorific value / MJ
• Amount rule: Collect the attributable reporting-period quantity under cp_laterite_power; divide by D after stock, transfer and allocation reconciliation.
• Value mode: foreground_record
• Specificity: site_specific
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg reference flow
• Basis kind: reference_flow
• Evidence kind: collected_record
• Collection protocol: cp_laterite_power
• Sources: bgs-nickel-2008, wco-hs26-2022, ifc-mining-2007

Purchased laterite-washing make-up water (laterite_water)

Only actual new purchased washing water; separate direct source if used; recycled water not new supply.

• Selected flow: Process Water 94a04f7e-2d5c-41f0-b182-d54a3b373a02
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: Collect the attributable reporting-period quantity under cp_laterite_water; divide by D after stock, transfer and allocation reconciliation.
• Value mode: foreground_record
• Specificity: site_specific
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg reference flow
• Basis kind: reference_flow
• Evidence kind: collected_record
• Collection protocol: cp_laterite_water
• Sources: bgs-nickel-2008, wco-hs26-2022, ifc-mining-2007

Outputs

Waste flows

Rejected laterite mineral coarse fraction (laterite_reject)

Only actual off-spec solid fraction with retained Ni and management fate; not every coarse size is barren.

• Selected flow: Rejected laterite mineral coarse fraction
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: Collect the attributable reporting-period quantity under cp_laterite_reject; divide by D after stock, transfer and allocation reconciliation.
• Value mode: foreground_record
• Specificity: site_specific
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg reference flow
• Basis kind: reference_flow
• Evidence kind: collected_record
• Collection protocol: cp_laterite_reject
• Sources: bgs-nickel-2008, wco-hs26-2022, ifc-mining-2007

Laterite-washing fines sludge (laterite_sludge)

Only actual transferred fines with solids/mineral/metal content; saleable nickel-rich fines or internal recovery classified separately.

• Selected flow: Laterite-washing fines sludge
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: Collect the attributable reporting-period quantity under cp_laterite_sludge; divide by D after stock, transfer and allocation reconciliation.
• Value mode: foreground_record
• Specificity: site_specific
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg reference flow
• Basis kind: reference_flow
• Evidence kind: collected_record
• Collection protocol: cp_laterite_sludge
• Sources: bgs-nickel-2008, wco-hs26-2022, ifc-mining-2007

Process: Nickel mineral concentration (concentration)

Inputs

Product flows

Supplied nickel-cobalt ore (supplied_ore)

Only compatible supplied ore Product/Mass at plant with actual sulfide or other mineral route confirmed; generic identity does not prove a sulfide assay. Other ore grades need own identities.

• Selected flow: Nickel-cobalt ore 63f90633-2913-4600-a84e-3cc59f562a03
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: Collect the attributable reporting-period quantity under cp_supplied_ore; divide by D after stock, transfer and allocation reconciliation.
• Value mode: foreground_record
• Specificity: site_specific
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg reference flow
• Basis kind: reference_flow
• Evidence kind: collected_record
• Collection protocol: cp_supplied_ore
• Sources: bgs-nickel-2008, wco-hs26-2022, ifc-mining-2007

Nickel-mineral concentration electricity (mill_power)

This purchased electricity exchange requires independently confirmed actual supplier, consumption or production interface, geography, voltage, generation attributes and energy property/unit; its UUID remains unresolved until a compatible direct-read identity is confirmed. A waste-incineration generation flow must not represent arbitrary site power.

Actual crushing, magnetic/gravity separation, grinding, flotation and dewatering circuits; assign meters once, exclude absent operations.

• Selected flow: Electricity
• Flow property / unit: Net calorific value / MJ
• Amount rule: Collect the attributable reporting-period quantity under cp_mill_power; divide by D after stock, transfer and allocation reconciliation.
• Value mode: foreground_record
• Specificity: site_specific
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg reference flow
• Basis kind: reference_flow
• Evidence kind: collected_record
• Collection protocol: cp_mill_power
• Sources: bgs-nickel-2008, wco-hs26-2022, ifc-mining-2007

Steel grinding balls (steel_media)

Only actual consumed grinding balls; rods/liners/other media individually if used.

• Selected flow: Steel grinding balls
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: Collect the attributable reporting-period quantity under cp_steel_media; divide by D after stock, transfer and allocation reconciliation.
• Value mode: foreground_record
• Specificity: site_specific
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg reference flow
• Basis kind: reference_flow
• Evidence kind: collected_record
• Collection protocol: cp_steel_media
• Sources: bgs-nickel-2008, wco-hs26-2022, ifc-mining-2007

Purchased concentration make-up water (process_water)

Only new purchased water for actual circuit; internal reclaim excluded as external supply.

• Selected flow: Process Water 94a04f7e-2d5c-41f0-b182-d54a3b373a02
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: Collect the attributable reporting-period quantity under cp_process_water; divide by D after stock, transfer and allocation reconciliation.
• Value mode: foreground_record
• Specificity: site_specific
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg reference flow
• Basis kind: reference_flow
• Evidence kind: collected_record
• Collection protocol: cp_process_water
• Sources: bgs-nickel-2008, wco-hs26-2022, ifc-mining-2007

Potassium amyl xanthate (pax)

Only actual confirmed collector formulation/dose for actual mineral circuit; other collectors each separate.

• Selected flow: Potassium amyl xanthate
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: Collect the attributable reporting-period quantity under cp_pax; divide by D after stock, transfer and allocation reconciliation.
• Value mode: foreground_record
• Specificity: site_specific
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg reference flow
• Basis kind: reference_flow
• Evidence kind: collected_record
• Collection protocol: cp_pax
• Sources: bgs-nickel-2008, wco-hs26-2022, ifc-mining-2007

Methyl isobutyl carbinol (mibc)

Only actual confirmed MIBC frother; other actual frothers each separate.

• Selected flow: Methyl isobutyl carbinol
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: Collect the attributable reporting-period quantity under cp_mibc; divide by D after stock, transfer and allocation reconciliation.
• Value mode: foreground_record
• Specificity: site_specific
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg reference flow
• Basis kind: reference_flow
• Evidence kind: collected_record
• Collection protocol: cp_mibc
• Sources: bgs-nickel-2008, wco-hs26-2022, ifc-mining-2007

Quicklime for flotation pH control (lime)

Only actual calcium-oxide reagent with active fraction; hydrated lime requires separate product identity.

• Selected flow: Quicklime for flotation pH control
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: Collect the attributable reporting-period quantity under cp_lime; divide by D after stock, transfer and allocation reconciliation.
• Value mode: foreground_record
• Specificity: site_specific
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg reference flow
• Basis kind: reference_flow
• Evidence kind: collected_record
• Collection protocol: cp_lime
• Sources: bgs-nickel-2008, wco-hs26-2022, ifc-mining-2007

Anionic polyacrylamide flocculant (flocculant)

Only actual specified polymer for thickening/tailings; other formulations separate.

• Selected flow: Anionic polyacrylamide flocculant
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: Collect the attributable reporting-period quantity under cp_flocculant; divide by D after stock, transfer and allocation reconciliation.
• Value mode: foreground_record
• Specificity: site_specific
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg reference flow
• Basis kind: reference_flow
• Evidence kind: collected_record
• Collection protocol: cp_flocculant
• Sources: bgs-nickel-2008, wco-hs26-2022, ifc-mining-2007

Outputs

Product flows

Saleable copper mineral concentrate (copper_concentrate)

Only actually separated/weighed copper concentrate; embedded copper in nickel bulk concentrate is not a separate physical output.

• Selected flow: Saleable copper mineral concentrate
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: Collect the attributable reporting-period quantity under cp_copper_concentrate; divide by D after stock, transfer and allocation reconciliation.
• Value mode: foreground_record
• Specificity: site_specific
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg reference flow
• Basis kind: reference_flow
• Evidence kind: collected_record
• Collection protocol: cp_copper_concentrate
• Sources: bgs-nickel-2008, wco-hs26-2022, ifc-mining-2007

Waste flows

Nickel-mineral beneficiation tailings slurry (tailings)

Actual final unrecovered tailings with solids/mineral/metal/sulfur content and management fate; internal middlings excluded.

• Selected flow: Nickel-mineral beneficiation tailings slurry
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: Collect the attributable reporting-period quantity under cp_tailings; divide by D after stock, transfer and allocation reconciliation.
• Value mode: foreground_record
• Specificity: site_specific
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg reference flow
• Basis kind: reference_flow
• Evidence kind: collected_record
• Collection protocol: cp_tailings
• Sources: bgs-nickel-2008, wco-hs26-2022, ifc-mining-2007

Process: Qualified mineral thermal preparation (thermal)

Inputs

Product flows

Mineral-feed thermal-preparation natural gas (thermal_natural_gas)

Only actual gas-fired drying or confirmed mineral-feed preparation; distinguish free moisture/bound water/phase changes and sulfur oxidation. Other fuel/heat separately.

• Selected flow: Mineral-feed thermal-preparation natural gas
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: Collect the attributable reporting-period quantity under cp_thermal_natural_gas; divide by D after stock, transfer and allocation reconciliation.
• Value mode: foreground_record
• Specificity: site_specific
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg reference flow
• Basis kind: reference_flow
• Evidence kind: collected_record
• Collection protocol: cp_thermal_natural_gas
• Sources: bgs-nickel-2008, wco-hs26-2022, ifc-mining-2007

Mineral-feed thermal-preparation electricity (thermal_power)

This purchased electricity exchange requires independently confirmed actual supplier, consumption or production interface, geography, voltage, generation attributes and energy property/unit; its UUID remains unresolved until a compatible direct-read identity is confirmed. A waste-incineration generation flow must not represent arbitrary site power.

Only actual dryer/preparation equipment within mineral gate; not smelter, HPAL/refinery power.

• Selected flow: Electricity
• Flow property / unit: Net calorific value / MJ
• Amount rule: Collect the attributable reporting-period quantity under cp_thermal_power; divide by D after stock, transfer and allocation reconciliation.
• Value mode: foreground_record
• Specificity: site_specific
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg reference flow
• Basis kind: reference_flow
• Evidence kind: collected_record
• Collection protocol: cp_thermal_power
• Sources: bgs-nickel-2008, wco-hs26-2022, ifc-mining-2007

Process: Tailings water and air management (controls)

Inputs

Product flows

Tailings-water and air-control electricity (control_power)

This purchased electricity exchange requires independently confirmed actual supplier, consumption or production interface, geography, voltage, generation attributes and energy property/unit; its UUID remains unresolved until a compatible direct-read identity is confirmed. A waste-incineration generation flow must not represent arbitrary site power.

Actual tailings/reclaim/drainage treatment and air control; shared process/thermal meters attributed once.

• Selected flow: Electricity
• Flow property / unit: Net calorific value / MJ
• Amount rule: Collect the attributable reporting-period quantity under cp_control_power; divide by D after stock, transfer and allocation reconciliation.
• Value mode: foreground_record
• Specificity: site_specific
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg reference flow
• Basis kind: reference_flow
• Evidence kind: collected_record
• Collection protocol: cp_control_power
• Sources: bgs-nickel-2008, wco-hs26-2022, ifc-mining-2007

Water-treatment quicklime (water_treatment_lime)

Only actual drainage neutralization chemical, distinct from flotation pH input.

• Selected flow: Water-treatment quicklime
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: Collect the attributable reporting-period quantity under cp_water_treatment_lime; divide by D after stock, transfer and allocation reconciliation.
• Value mode: foreground_record
• Specificity: site_specific
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg reference flow
• Basis kind: reference_flow
• Evidence kind: collected_record
• Collection protocol: cp_water_treatment_lime
• Sources: bgs-nickel-2008, wco-hs26-2022, ifc-mining-2007

Elementary flows

Fresh water abstracted from river (surface_water)

Actual direct river source, basin and season across separately attributed site uses; groundwater source requires its own row.

• Selected flow: Fresh water abstracted from river
• Flow property / unit: Volume / m3
• Amount rule: Collect the attributable reporting-period quantity under cp_surface_water; divide by D after stock, transfer and allocation reconciliation.
• Value mode: foreground_record
• Specificity: site_specific
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg reference flow
• Basis kind: reference_flow
• Evidence kind: collected_record
• Collection protocol: cp_surface_water
• Sources: bgs-nickel-2008, wco-hs26-2022, ifc-mining-2007

Outputs

Waste flows

Nickel-mine water-treatment sludge (treatment_sludge)

Actual sludge with dry solids/metals transferred to management.

• Selected flow: Nickel-mine water-treatment sludge
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: Collect the attributable reporting-period quantity under cp_treatment_sludge; divide by D after stock, transfer and allocation reconciliation.
• Value mode: foreground_record
• Specificity: site_specific
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg reference flow
• Basis kind: reference_flow
• Evidence kind: collected_record
• Collection protocol: cp_treatment_sludge
• Sources: bgs-nickel-2008, wco-hs26-2022, ifc-mining-2007

Nickel-process wastewater transferred for treatment (wastewater)

Actual external treatment transfer; direct receiving-water volume/species separate.

• Selected flow: Nickel-process wastewater transferred for treatment
• Flow property / unit: Volume / m3
• Amount rule: Collect the attributable reporting-period quantity under cp_wastewater; divide by D after stock, transfer and allocation reconciliation.
• Value mode: foreground_record
• Specificity: site_specific
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg reference flow
• Basis kind: reference_flow
• Evidence kind: collected_record
• Collection protocol: cp_wastewater
• Sources: bgs-nickel-2008, wco-hs26-2022, ifc-mining-2007

Nickel-mineral collector dust disposed (collector_dust)

Only actual captured dust disposal, distinct from internal return/saleable mineral recovery.

• Selected flow: Nickel-mineral collector dust disposed
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: Collect the attributable reporting-period quantity under cp_collector_dust; divide by D after stock, transfer and allocation reconciliation.
• Value mode: foreground_record
• Specificity: site_specific
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg reference flow
• Basis kind: reference_flow
• Evidence kind: collected_record
• Collection protocol: cp_collector_dust
• Sources: bgs-nickel-2008, wco-hs26-2022, ifc-mining-2007

Elementary flows

Nickel-mineral PM10 released to outdoor air (pm10_air)

Actual mine/haul/plant releases after controls with measured particle-size and metal basis; other pollutant species each separate.

• Selected flow: Nickel-mineral PM10 released to outdoor air
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: Collect the attributable reporting-period quantity under cp_pm10_air; divide by D after stock, transfer and allocation reconciliation.
• Value mode: foreground_record
• Specificity: site_specific
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg reference flow
• Basis kind: reference_flow
• Evidence kind: collected_record
• Collection protocol: cp_pm10_air
• Sources: bgs-nickel-2008, wco-hs26-2022, ifc-mining-2007

Fossil carbon dioxide released to outdoor air (co2_air)

Actual foreground combustion with traceable fuel/carbon evidence; no double upstream fuel combustion.

• Selected flow: carbon dioxide (fossil) 08a91e70-3ddc-11dd-923d-0050c2490048
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: Collect the attributable reporting-period quantity under cp_co2_air; divide by D after stock, transfer and allocation reconciliation.
• Value mode: foreground_record
• Specificity: site_specific
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg reference flow
• Basis kind: reference_flow
• Evidence kind: collected_record
• Collection protocol: cp_co2_air
• Sources: bgs-nickel-2008, wco-hs26-2022, ifc-mining-2007

Sulfur dioxide released to outdoor air (so2_air)

Only actual fuel-sulfur or qualified thermal mineral preparation after controls; no assumed ore-sulfur emission or smelter inclusion.

• Selected flow: Sulfur dioxide released to outdoor air
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: Collect the attributable reporting-period quantity under cp_so2_air; divide by D after stock, transfer and allocation reconciliation.
• Value mode: foreground_record
• Specificity: site_specific
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg reference flow
• Basis kind: reference_flow
• Evidence kind: collected_record
• Collection protocol: cp_so2_air
• Sources: bgs-nickel-2008, wco-hs26-2022, ifc-mining-2007

Dissolved nickel released to receiving water (nickel_water)

Only actual receiving-compartment release with matched dissolved Ni/net volume/background; managed tailings Ni is not automatically water emission.

• Selected flow: Dissolved nickel released to receiving water
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: Collect the attributable reporting-period quantity under cp_nickel_water; divide by D after stock, transfer and allocation reconciliation.
• Value mode: foreground_record
• Specificity: site_specific
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg reference flow
• Basis kind: reference_flow
• Evidence kind: collected_record
• Collection protocol: cp_nickel_water
• Sources: bgs-nickel-2008, wco-hs26-2022, ifc-mining-2007

Process: Included mineral delivery (delivery)

Inputs

Product flows

Included nickel-mineral delivery diesel (delivery_diesel)

Actual foreground delivery through expressly included receipt gate with route/load/return; provider transport separate without duplicate fuel.

• Selected flow: Diesel fuel 9d258d75-6792-4f1c-9856-81602ed8f816
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: Collect the attributable reporting-period quantity under cp_delivery_diesel; divide by D after stock, transfer and allocation reconciliation.
• Value mode: foreground_record
• Specificity: site_specific
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg reference flow
• Basis kind: reference_flow
• Evidence kind: collected_record
• Collection protocol: cp_delivery_diesel
• Sources: bgs-nickel-2008, wco-hs26-2022, ifc-mining-2007

Process: Accepted mineral-product handling (dispatch)

Inputs

Product flows

Nickel-mineral gate-handling diesel (loading_diesel)

Actual loading/receipt handling distinct from mine haul and delivery.

• Selected flow: Diesel fuel 9d258d75-6792-4f1c-9856-81602ed8f816
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: Collect the attributable reporting-period quantity under cp_loading_diesel; divide by D after stock, transfer and allocation reconciliation.
• Value mode: foreground_record
• Specificity: site_specific
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg reference flow
• Basis kind: reference_flow
• Evidence kind: collected_record
• Collection protocol: cp_loading_diesel
• Sources: bgs-nickel-2008, wco-hs26-2022, ifc-mining-2007

Outputs

Product flows

Nickel-cobalt ore at declared plant gate (final_product)

Representative is verified nickel-cobalt ore Product/Mass, production mix at plant. Use only compatible actual ore state and chosen plant loading/receipt boundary. Nickel mineral concentrates, cobalt-free/other grades and thermal feeds need distinct actual identities; verified8.6% Ni concentrate is not a universal grade default.

• Selected flow: Nickel-cobalt ore 63f90633-2913-4600-a84e-3cc59f562a03
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: 1 kg
• Value mode: foreground_record
• Specificity: site_specific
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg reference flow
• Basis kind: reference_flow
• Evidence kind: collected_record
• Collection protocol: cp_output
• Sources: bgs-nickel-2008, wco-hs26-2022, ifc-mining-2007

7. Allocation and Co-product Handling

rule_id	Applies to	Rule	source_ids
allocation_hierarchy	joint production	Prefer process subdivision or defensible system expansion; otherwise use demonstrated physical causality. Use economic allocation only with consistent period, price, currency and sensitivity when physical causality is unavailable. Retain the unallocated inventory.	ef-allocation-2021
allocation_product	reference and co-products	Subdivide actual mining zones, ore preparation and independently separated concentrates when possible. Retain unallocated nickel-copper-cobalt/precious-metal joint inventories and justify physical causality or matched economic allocation with actual payable assays, treatment charges, prices and sensitivity. Embedded metals in one bulk concentrate are not multiple physical output masses; count a separate copper/cobalt mineral concentrate only when actually recovered and weighed. Assign supplied/old-stock ore upstream allocation or justified cut-off and actual rehabilitation/transport burdens; no zero-burden assumption. Attribute development/closure once over measured lifetime accepted output; no automatic avoided-metal/disposal or internal-recycle credit.
allocation_waste	waste and recycling	Classify each output by physical state and actual fate. A sale does not automatically make a residue a co-product; internal recycling receives no avoided-product credit. Apply treatment burdens once.

8. Foreground Data Collection, Calculation, and Quality Rules

Data Collection Protocols

protocol_id	process_id	flow_role	record_type	raw_fields	collection_method	unit	frequency	temporal_coverage	site_scope	aggregation_rule	quality_evidence
cp_development_diesel	development	development_diesel	measurement_record	period; site; amount; original unit; uncertainty; stock changes; route condition; allocation; D; product qualifiers	Calibrated weighing, metering or traceable transfer records; reconcile period, opening/closing stock, actual grade and boundary.	kg	Each meter interval or shipment; monthly reconciliation	Complete year or justified representative production campaign	One accepted nickel mineral ore or concentrate grade at a stated loading/receipt gate, with measured free moisture, mineral phase and dry-basis nickel/associated-element assays	per 1 kg reference flow	Calibration; original records; assay; balance residuals; uncertainty
cp_sulfide_resource	extraction	sulfide_resource	measurement_record	period; site; amount; original unit; uncertainty; stock changes; route condition; allocation; D; product qualifiers	Match calibrated net wet mass, free moisture/solids fraction and dry-basis Ni/Co/Cu, mineral, sulfur and relevant Fe/Mg/Si assays for same batches/period. Reconcile stocks/transfers and independently identify resource, supplied product or waste/co-product/provider/fate. Preserve laterite horizon and drying assay method; no grade or recovery default.	kg	Each meter interval or shipment; monthly reconciliation	Complete year or justified representative production campaign	One accepted nickel mineral ore or concentrate grade at a stated loading/receipt gate, with measured free moisture, mineral phase and dry-basis nickel/associated-element assays	per 1 kg reference flow	Calibration; original records; assay; balance residuals; uncertainty
cp_laterite_resource	extraction	laterite_resource	measurement_record	period; site; amount; original unit; uncertainty; stock changes; route condition; allocation; D; product qualifiers	Match calibrated net wet mass, free moisture/solids fraction and dry-basis Ni/Co/Cu, mineral, sulfur and relevant Fe/Mg/Si assays for same batches/period. Reconcile stocks/transfers and independently identify resource, supplied product or waste/co-product/provider/fate. Preserve laterite horizon and drying assay method; no grade or recovery default.	kg	Each meter interval or shipment; monthly reconciliation	Complete year or justified representative production campaign	One accepted nickel mineral ore or concentrate grade at a stated loading/receipt gate, with measured free moisture, mineral phase and dry-basis nickel/associated-element assays	per 1 kg reference flow	Calibration; original records; assay; balance residuals; uncertainty
cp_mining_diesel	extraction	mining_diesel	measurement_record	period; site; amount; original unit; uncertainty; stock changes; route condition; allocation; D; product qualifiers	Calibrated weighing, metering or traceable transfer records; reconcile period, opening/closing stock, actual grade and boundary.	kg	Each meter interval or shipment; monthly reconciliation	Complete year or justified representative production campaign	One accepted nickel mineral ore or concentrate grade at a stated loading/receipt gate, with measured free moisture, mineral phase and dry-basis nickel/associated-element assays	per 1 kg reference flow	Calibration; original records; assay; balance residuals; uncertainty
cp_mining_power	extraction	mining_power	measurement_record	period; site; amount; original unit; uncertainty; stock changes; route condition; allocation; D; product qualifiers	Calibrated weighing, metering or traceable transfer records; reconcile period, opening/closing stock, actual grade and boundary.	MJ	Each meter interval or shipment; monthly reconciliation	Complete year or justified representative production campaign	One accepted nickel mineral ore or concentrate grade at a stated loading/receipt gate, with measured free moisture, mineral phase and dry-basis nickel/associated-element assays	per 1 kg reference flow	Calibration; original records; assay; balance residuals; uncertainty
cp_anfo	extraction	anfo	measurement_record	period; site; amount; original unit; uncertainty; stock changes; route condition; allocation; D; product qualifiers	Calibrated weighing, metering or traceable transfer records; reconcile period, opening/closing stock, actual grade and boundary.	kg	Each meter interval or shipment; monthly reconciliation	Complete year or justified representative production campaign	One accepted nickel mineral ore or concentrate grade at a stated loading/receipt gate, with measured free moisture, mineral phase and dry-basis nickel/associated-element assays	per 1 kg reference flow	Calibration; original records; assay; balance residuals; uncertainty
cp_waste_rock	extraction	waste_rock	measurement_record	period; site; amount; original unit; uncertainty; stock changes; route condition; allocation; D; product qualifiers	Match calibrated net wet mass, free moisture/solids fraction and dry-basis Ni/Co/Cu, mineral, sulfur and relevant Fe/Mg/Si assays for same batches/period. Reconcile stocks/transfers and independently identify resource, supplied product or waste/co-product/provider/fate. Preserve laterite horizon and drying assay method; no grade or recovery default.	kg	Each meter interval or shipment; monthly reconciliation	Complete year or justified representative production campaign	One accepted nickel mineral ore or concentrate grade at a stated loading/receipt gate, with measured free moisture, mineral phase and dry-basis nickel/associated-element assays	per 1 kg reference flow	Calibration; original records; assay; balance residuals; uncertainty
cp_supplied_laterite	laterite	supplied_laterite	measurement_record	period; site; amount; original unit; uncertainty; stock changes; route condition; allocation; D; product qualifiers	Match calibrated net wet mass, free moisture/solids fraction and dry-basis Ni/Co/Cu, mineral, sulfur and relevant Fe/Mg/Si assays for same batches/period. Reconcile stocks/transfers and independently identify resource, supplied product or waste/co-product/provider/fate. Preserve laterite horizon and drying assay method; no grade or recovery default.	kg	Each meter interval or shipment; monthly reconciliation	Complete year or justified representative production campaign	One accepted nickel mineral ore or concentrate grade at a stated loading/receipt gate, with measured free moisture, mineral phase and dry-basis nickel/associated-element assays	per 1 kg reference flow	Calibration; original records; assay; balance residuals; uncertainty
cp_laterite_power	laterite	laterite_power	measurement_record	period; site; amount; original unit; uncertainty; stock changes; route condition; allocation; D; product qualifiers	Calibrated weighing, metering or traceable transfer records; reconcile period, opening/closing stock, actual grade and boundary.	MJ	Each meter interval or shipment; monthly reconciliation	Complete year or justified representative production campaign	One accepted nickel mineral ore or concentrate grade at a stated loading/receipt gate, with measured free moisture, mineral phase and dry-basis nickel/associated-element assays	per 1 kg reference flow	Calibration; original records; assay; balance residuals; uncertainty
cp_laterite_water	laterite	laterite_water	measurement_record	period; site; amount; original unit; uncertainty; stock changes; route condition; allocation; D; product qualifiers	Calibrated weighing, metering or traceable transfer records; reconcile period, opening/closing stock, actual grade and boundary.	kg	Each meter interval or shipment; monthly reconciliation	Complete year or justified representative production campaign	One accepted nickel mineral ore or concentrate grade at a stated loading/receipt gate, with measured free moisture, mineral phase and dry-basis nickel/associated-element assays	per 1 kg reference flow	Calibration; original records; assay; balance residuals; uncertainty
cp_laterite_reject	laterite	laterite_reject	measurement_record	period; site; amount; original unit; uncertainty; stock changes; route condition; allocation; D; product qualifiers	Match calibrated net wet mass, free moisture/solids fraction and dry-basis Ni/Co/Cu, mineral, sulfur and relevant Fe/Mg/Si assays for same batches/period. Reconcile stocks/transfers and independently identify resource, supplied product or waste/co-product/provider/fate. Preserve laterite horizon and drying assay method; no grade or recovery default.	kg	Each meter interval or shipment; monthly reconciliation	Complete year or justified representative production campaign	One accepted nickel mineral ore or concentrate grade at a stated loading/receipt gate, with measured free moisture, mineral phase and dry-basis nickel/associated-element assays	per 1 kg reference flow	Calibration; original records; assay; balance residuals; uncertainty
cp_laterite_sludge	laterite	laterite_sludge	measurement_record	period; site; amount; original unit; uncertainty; stock changes; route condition; allocation; D; product qualifiers	Match calibrated net wet mass, free moisture/solids fraction and dry-basis Ni/Co/Cu, mineral, sulfur and relevant Fe/Mg/Si assays for same batches/period. Reconcile stocks/transfers and independently identify resource, supplied product or waste/co-product/provider/fate. Preserve laterite horizon and drying assay method; no grade or recovery default.	kg	Each meter interval or shipment; monthly reconciliation	Complete year or justified representative production campaign	One accepted nickel mineral ore or concentrate grade at a stated loading/receipt gate, with measured free moisture, mineral phase and dry-basis nickel/associated-element assays	per 1 kg reference flow	Calibration; original records; assay; balance residuals; uncertainty
cp_supplied_ore	concentration	supplied_ore	measurement_record	period; site; amount; original unit; uncertainty; stock changes; route condition; allocation; D; product qualifiers	Match calibrated net wet mass, free moisture/solids fraction and dry-basis Ni/Co/Cu, mineral, sulfur and relevant Fe/Mg/Si assays for same batches/period. Reconcile stocks/transfers and independently identify resource, supplied product or waste/co-product/provider/fate. Preserve laterite horizon and drying assay method; no grade or recovery default.	kg	Each meter interval or shipment; monthly reconciliation	Complete year or justified representative production campaign	One accepted nickel mineral ore or concentrate grade at a stated loading/receipt gate, with measured free moisture, mineral phase and dry-basis nickel/associated-element assays	per 1 kg reference flow	Calibration; original records; assay; balance residuals; uncertainty
cp_mill_power	concentration	mill_power	measurement_record	period; site; amount; original unit; uncertainty; stock changes; route condition; allocation; D; product qualifiers	Calibrated weighing, metering or traceable transfer records; reconcile period, opening/closing stock, actual grade and boundary.	MJ	Each meter interval or shipment; monthly reconciliation	Complete year or justified representative production campaign	One accepted nickel mineral ore or concentrate grade at a stated loading/receipt gate, with measured free moisture, mineral phase and dry-basis nickel/associated-element assays	per 1 kg reference flow	Calibration; original records; assay; balance residuals; uncertainty
cp_steel_media	concentration	steel_media	measurement_record	period; site; amount; original unit; uncertainty; stock changes; route condition; allocation; D; product qualifiers	Calibrated weighing, metering or traceable transfer records; reconcile period, opening/closing stock, actual grade and boundary.	kg	Each meter interval or shipment; monthly reconciliation	Complete year or justified representative production campaign	One accepted nickel mineral ore or concentrate grade at a stated loading/receipt gate, with measured free moisture, mineral phase and dry-basis nickel/associated-element assays	per 1 kg reference flow	Calibration; original records; assay; balance residuals; uncertainty
cp_process_water	concentration	process_water	measurement_record	period; site; amount; original unit; uncertainty; stock changes; route condition; allocation; D; product qualifiers	Calibrated weighing, metering or traceable transfer records; reconcile period, opening/closing stock, actual grade and boundary.	kg	Each meter interval or shipment; monthly reconciliation	Complete year or justified representative production campaign	One accepted nickel mineral ore or concentrate grade at a stated loading/receipt gate, with measured free moisture, mineral phase and dry-basis nickel/associated-element assays	per 1 kg reference flow	Calibration; original records; assay; balance residuals; uncertainty
cp_surface_water	controls	surface_water	measurement_record	period; site; amount; original unit; uncertainty; stock changes; route condition; allocation; D; product qualifiers	Calibrated weighing, metering or traceable transfer records; reconcile period, opening/closing stock, actual grade and boundary.	m3	Each meter interval or shipment; monthly reconciliation	Complete year or justified representative production campaign	One accepted nickel mineral ore or concentrate grade at a stated loading/receipt gate, with measured free moisture, mineral phase and dry-basis nickel/associated-element assays	per 1 kg reference flow	Calibration; original records; assay; balance residuals; uncertainty
cp_pax	concentration	pax	measurement_record	period; site; amount; original unit; uncertainty; stock changes; route condition; allocation; D; product qualifiers	Record one actual supplier formulation and active fraction, consumed mass, dilution water and matched circuit/period; reconcile stocks and internal reuse. Product mass and active-chemical mass are distinct with measured conversion. No pooled reagent or assumed dose.	kg	Each meter interval or shipment; monthly reconciliation	Complete year or justified representative production campaign	One accepted nickel mineral ore or concentrate grade at a stated loading/receipt gate, with measured free moisture, mineral phase and dry-basis nickel/associated-element assays	per 1 kg reference flow	Calibration; original records; assay; balance residuals; uncertainty
cp_mibc	concentration	mibc	measurement_record	period; site; amount; original unit; uncertainty; stock changes; route condition; allocation; D; product qualifiers	Record one actual supplier formulation and active fraction, consumed mass, dilution water and matched circuit/period; reconcile stocks and internal reuse. Product mass and active-chemical mass are distinct with measured conversion. No pooled reagent or assumed dose.	kg	Each meter interval or shipment; monthly reconciliation	Complete year or justified representative production campaign	One accepted nickel mineral ore or concentrate grade at a stated loading/receipt gate, with measured free moisture, mineral phase and dry-basis nickel/associated-element assays	per 1 kg reference flow	Calibration; original records; assay; balance residuals; uncertainty
cp_lime	concentration	lime	measurement_record	period; site; amount; original unit; uncertainty; stock changes; route condition; allocation; D; product qualifiers	Record one actual supplier formulation and active fraction, consumed mass, dilution water and matched circuit/period; reconcile stocks and internal reuse. Product mass and active-chemical mass are distinct with measured conversion. No pooled reagent or assumed dose.	kg	Each meter interval or shipment; monthly reconciliation	Complete year or justified representative production campaign	One accepted nickel mineral ore or concentrate grade at a stated loading/receipt gate, with measured free moisture, mineral phase and dry-basis nickel/associated-element assays	per 1 kg reference flow	Calibration; original records; assay; balance residuals; uncertainty
cp_flocculant	concentration	flocculant	measurement_record	period; site; amount; original unit; uncertainty; stock changes; route condition; allocation; D; product qualifiers	Record one actual supplier formulation and active fraction, consumed mass, dilution water and matched circuit/period; reconcile stocks and internal reuse. Product mass and active-chemical mass are distinct with measured conversion. No pooled reagent or assumed dose.	kg	Each meter interval or shipment; monthly reconciliation	Complete year or justified representative production campaign	One accepted nickel mineral ore or concentrate grade at a stated loading/receipt gate, with measured free moisture, mineral phase and dry-basis nickel/associated-element assays	per 1 kg reference flow	Calibration; original records; assay; balance residuals; uncertainty
cp_copper_concentrate	concentration	copper_concentrate	measurement_record	period; site; amount; original unit; uncertainty; stock changes; route condition; allocation; D; product qualifiers	Match calibrated net wet mass, free moisture/solids fraction and dry-basis Ni/Co/Cu, mineral, sulfur and relevant Fe/Mg/Si assays for same batches/period. Reconcile stocks/transfers and independently identify resource, supplied product or waste/co-product/provider/fate. Preserve laterite horizon and drying assay method; no grade or recovery default.	kg	Each meter interval or shipment; monthly reconciliation	Complete year or justified representative production campaign	One accepted nickel mineral ore or concentrate grade at a stated loading/receipt gate, with measured free moisture, mineral phase and dry-basis nickel/associated-element assays	per 1 kg reference flow	Calibration; original records; assay; balance residuals; uncertainty
cp_tailings	concentration	tailings	measurement_record	period; site; amount; original unit; uncertainty; stock changes; route condition; allocation; D; product qualifiers	Match calibrated net wet mass, free moisture/solids fraction and dry-basis Ni/Co/Cu, mineral, sulfur and relevant Fe/Mg/Si assays for same batches/period. Reconcile stocks/transfers and independently identify resource, supplied product or waste/co-product/provider/fate. Preserve laterite horizon and drying assay method; no grade or recovery default.	kg	Each meter interval or shipment; monthly reconciliation	Complete year or justified representative production campaign	One accepted nickel mineral ore or concentrate grade at a stated loading/receipt gate, with measured free moisture, mineral phase and dry-basis nickel/associated-element assays	per 1 kg reference flow	Calibration; original records; assay; balance residuals; uncertainty
cp_thermal_natural_gas	thermal	thermal_natural_gas	measurement_record	period; site; amount; original unit; uncertainty; stock changes; route condition; allocation; D; product qualifiers	Calibrated weighing, metering or traceable transfer records; reconcile period, opening/closing stock, actual grade and boundary.	kg	Each meter interval or shipment; monthly reconciliation	Complete year or justified representative production campaign	One accepted nickel mineral ore or concentrate grade at a stated loading/receipt gate, with measured free moisture, mineral phase and dry-basis nickel/associated-element assays	per 1 kg reference flow	Calibration; original records; assay; balance residuals; uncertainty
cp_thermal_power	thermal	thermal_power	measurement_record	period; site; amount; original unit; uncertainty; stock changes; route condition; allocation; D; product qualifiers	Calibrated weighing, metering or traceable transfer records; reconcile period, opening/closing stock, actual grade and boundary.	MJ	Each meter interval or shipment; monthly reconciliation	Complete year or justified representative production campaign	One accepted nickel mineral ore or concentrate grade at a stated loading/receipt gate, with measured free moisture, mineral phase and dry-basis nickel/associated-element assays	per 1 kg reference flow	Calibration; original records; assay; balance residuals; uncertainty
cp_control_power	controls	control_power	measurement_record	period; site; amount; original unit; uncertainty; stock changes; route condition; allocation; D; product qualifiers	Calibrated weighing, metering or traceable transfer records; reconcile period, opening/closing stock, actual grade and boundary.	MJ	Each meter interval or shipment; monthly reconciliation	Complete year or justified representative production campaign	One accepted nickel mineral ore or concentrate grade at a stated loading/receipt gate, with measured free moisture, mineral phase and dry-basis nickel/associated-element assays	per 1 kg reference flow	Calibration; original records; assay; balance residuals; uncertainty
cp_water_treatment_lime	controls	water_treatment_lime	measurement_record	period; site; amount; original unit; uncertainty; stock changes; route condition; allocation; D; product qualifiers	Record one actual supplier formulation and active fraction, consumed mass, dilution water and matched circuit/period; reconcile stocks and internal reuse. Product mass and active-chemical mass are distinct with measured conversion. No pooled reagent or assumed dose.	kg	Each meter interval or shipment; monthly reconciliation	Complete year or justified representative production campaign	One accepted nickel mineral ore or concentrate grade at a stated loading/receipt gate, with measured free moisture, mineral phase and dry-basis nickel/associated-element assays	per 1 kg reference flow	Calibration; original records; assay; balance residuals; uncertainty
cp_treatment_sludge	controls	treatment_sludge	measurement_record	period; site; amount; original unit; uncertainty; stock changes; route condition; allocation; D; product qualifiers	Calibrated weighing, metering or traceable transfer records; reconcile period, opening/closing stock, actual grade and boundary.	kg	Each meter interval or shipment; monthly reconciliation	Complete year or justified representative production campaign	One accepted nickel mineral ore or concentrate grade at a stated loading/receipt gate, with measured free moisture, mineral phase and dry-basis nickel/associated-element assays	per 1 kg reference flow	Calibration; original records; assay; balance residuals; uncertainty
cp_wastewater	controls	wastewater	measurement_record	period; site; amount; original unit; uncertainty; stock changes; route condition; allocation; D; product qualifiers	Calibrated weighing, metering or traceable transfer records; reconcile period, opening/closing stock, actual grade and boundary.	m3	Each meter interval or shipment; monthly reconciliation	Complete year or justified representative production campaign	One accepted nickel mineral ore or concentrate grade at a stated loading/receipt gate, with measured free moisture, mineral phase and dry-basis nickel/associated-element assays	per 1 kg reference flow	Calibration; original records; assay; balance residuals; uncertainty
cp_collector_dust	controls	collector_dust	measurement_record	period; site; amount; original unit; uncertainty; stock changes; route condition; allocation; D; product qualifiers	Calibrated weighing, metering or traceable transfer records; reconcile period, opening/closing stock, actual grade and boundary.	kg	Each meter interval or shipment; monthly reconciliation	Complete year or justified representative production campaign	One accepted nickel mineral ore or concentrate grade at a stated loading/receipt gate, with measured free moisture, mineral phase and dry-basis nickel/associated-element assays	per 1 kg reference flow	Calibration; original records; assay; balance residuals; uncertainty
cp_pm10_air	controls	pm10_air	measurement_record	period; site; amount; original unit; uncertainty; stock changes; route condition; allocation; D; product qualifiers	Calibrated weighing, metering or traceable transfer records; reconcile period, opening/closing stock, actual grade and boundary.	kg	Each meter interval or shipment; monthly reconciliation	Complete year or justified representative production campaign	One accepted nickel mineral ore or concentrate grade at a stated loading/receipt gate, with measured free moisture, mineral phase and dry-basis nickel/associated-element assays	per 1 kg reference flow	Calibration; original records; assay; balance residuals; uncertainty
cp_co2_air	controls	co2_air	measurement_record	period; site; amount; original unit; uncertainty; stock changes; route condition; allocation; D; product qualifiers	Calibrated weighing, metering or traceable transfer records; reconcile period, opening/closing stock, actual grade and boundary.	kg	Each meter interval or shipment; monthly reconciliation	Complete year or justified representative production campaign	One accepted nickel mineral ore or concentrate grade at a stated loading/receipt gate, with measured free moisture, mineral phase and dry-basis nickel/associated-element assays	per 1 kg reference flow	Calibration; original records; assay; balance residuals; uncertainty
cp_so2_air	controls	so2_air	measurement_record	period; site; amount; original unit; uncertainty; stock changes; route condition; allocation; D; product qualifiers	Calibrated weighing, metering or traceable transfer records; reconcile period, opening/closing stock, actual grade and boundary.	kg	Each meter interval or shipment; monthly reconciliation	Complete year or justified representative production campaign	One accepted nickel mineral ore or concentrate grade at a stated loading/receipt gate, with measured free moisture, mineral phase and dry-basis nickel/associated-element assays	per 1 kg reference flow	Calibration; original records; assay; balance residuals; uncertainty
cp_nickel_water	controls	nickel_water	measurement_record	period; site; amount; original unit; uncertainty; stock changes; route condition; allocation; D; product qualifiers	Pair dissolved-Ni concentration mg/L and calibrated net receiving-water discharge m3 for same period: Ni kg = concentration mg/L * volume m3 /1000. Retain total versus dissolved, background/reference water, compartment and uncertainty separately.	kg	Each meter interval or shipment; monthly reconciliation	Complete year or justified representative production campaign	One accepted nickel mineral ore or concentrate grade at a stated loading/receipt gate, with measured free moisture, mineral phase and dry-basis nickel/associated-element assays	per 1 kg reference flow	Calibration; original records; assay; balance residuals; uncertainty
cp_delivery_diesel	delivery	delivery_diesel	measurement_record	period; site; amount; original unit; uncertainty; stock changes; route condition; allocation; D; product qualifiers	Calibrated weighing, metering or traceable transfer records; reconcile period, opening/closing stock, actual grade and boundary.	kg	Each meter interval or shipment; monthly reconciliation	Complete year or justified representative production campaign	One accepted nickel mineral ore or concentrate grade at a stated loading/receipt gate, with measured free moisture, mineral phase and dry-basis nickel/associated-element assays	per 1 kg reference flow	Calibration; original records; assay; balance residuals; uncertainty
cp_loading_diesel	dispatch	loading_diesel	measurement_record	period; site; amount; original unit; uncertainty; stock changes; route condition; allocation; D; product qualifiers	Calibrated weighing, metering or traceable transfer records; reconcile period, opening/closing stock, actual grade and boundary.	kg	Each meter interval or shipment; monthly reconciliation	Complete year or justified representative production campaign	One accepted nickel mineral ore or concentrate grade at a stated loading/receipt gate, with measured free moisture, mineral phase and dry-basis nickel/associated-element assays	per 1 kg reference flow	Calibration; original records; assay; balance residuals; uncertainty
cp_output	dispatch	final_product	measurement_record	period; site; amount; original unit; uncertainty; stock changes; route condition; allocation; D; product qualifiers	Independently weigh positive accepted net mineral kg D at selected gate with calibrated scale, reconciling packaging/returns/rejects and stock. Pair batch free moisture w and dry-basis Ni fraction g with mineral/horizon and Co/Cu assays. Dry mass = D*(1-w); contained nickel = D*(1-w)*g; retain D as denominator. State drying/assay method so laterite bound water is not silently treated as free water.	kg	Each meter interval or shipment; monthly reconciliation	Complete year or justified representative production campaign	One accepted nickel mineral ore or concentrate grade at a stated loading/receipt gate, with measured free moisture, mineral phase and dry-basis nickel/associated-element assays	per 1 kg reference flow	Calibration; original records; assay; balance residuals; uncertainty

Calculation Rules

rule_id	Applies to	Formula or rule	Inputs	Output	source_ids
normalization	all cards	Exchange = attributable period quantity / D. Reconcile inventories and cancel internal transfers before aggregation.	cp_output; row-specific cp records	per 1 kg reference flow
physical_balance	production	D is independently weighed positive accepted net as-received mineral-product kg at the stated gate, excluding packaging, rejects and cancelled internal transfers. Measure wet-basis free-moisture fraction w with0 <= w <1; dry mineral mass = D*(1-w). Measure dry-basis nickel mass fraction g with0 <= g <=1; contained Ni kg = D*(1-w)*g, with D retained as inventory denominator. Bound water in laterite hydrous minerals is not free moisture; disclose drying assay method and thermal phase so dehydroxylation cannot silently redefine dry basis. Reconcile dry mineral solids and each Ni/Co/Cu component in feed, product, separated concentrates, tailings, rejects and stocks, separately from new/circulating/evaporated/discharged water. Recovery requires matched feed/output dry mass and assays after stock adjustment; neither concentrate grade nor refinery yield establishes mining recovery. Thermal preparation requires measured phase, water, sulfur and actual oxidation/offgas balances; additional actual gases and pollutants each separate.	Matched mass, volume, composition and stock measurements	Balance residual and uncertainty

Data Quality Requirements

requirement_id	Applies to	Requirement	Evidence
representativeness	dataset	Use matching production and exchange periods, actual technology, geography and supplier state. Record startup, shutdown, seasonal variation and substitutions.	collection records
identity_and_ranges	all cards	Unresolved identities and missing independent range evidence remain explicit. Do not replace measurement by a guessed industry range or by missing-as-zero.	manifest review metadata

9. Validation Rules

rule_id	Applies to	Rule	source_ids
validate_reference	final_product	Verify 1 kg, positive D, product state, property/unit and every required qualifier. Each dataset fixes one product and route.
validate_balance	site	D is independently weighed positive accepted net as-received mineral-product kg at the stated gate, excluding packaging, rejects and cancelled internal transfers. Measure wet-basis free-moisture fraction w with0 <= w <1; dry mineral mass = D*(1-w). Measure dry-basis nickel mass fraction g with0 <= g <=1; contained Ni kg = D*(1-w)*g, with D retained as inventory denominator. Bound water in laterite hydrous minerals is not free moisture; disclose drying assay method and thermal phase so dehydroxylation cannot silently redefine dry basis. Reconcile dry mineral solids and each Ni/Co/Cu component in feed, product, separated concentrates, tailings, rejects and stocks, separately from new/circulating/evaporated/discharged water. Recovery requires matched feed/output dry mass and assays after stock adjustment; neither concentrate grade nor refinery yield establishes mining recovery. Thermal preparation requires measured phase, water, sulfur and actual oxidation/offgas balances; additional actual gases and pollutants each separate.
validate_coverage	handoff	Verify each applicable exchange, its provider or environmental compartment and final waste fate; identify skipped checks, unresolved identities, missing measurements and upstream gaps. Errors or unassessed mandatory coverage cannot be labelled complete.

10. Published Dataset Profile

Field	Value
dataset_role	foreground_dataset
downstream_use	secondary_dataset; background_dataset
allowed_use	Supply1 kg of accepted nickel mineral ore or concentrate in its stated market condition; contained nickel is a separately calculated qualifier, not1 kg nickel metal
excluded_use	Nickel/copper/cobalt smelting matte; ferronickel and nickel pig iron; metal or recycled scrap; industrial slags; leach solutions; chemically precipitated MHP/MSP, nickel sulfate/oxide chemicals; transport-only services or separately declared cobalt/copper/precious-metal reference categories
required_metadata	site/year; geological/mineral ore identity; sulfide/laterite-limonite/laterite-saprolite or other confirmed route; surface/underground/supplied-stock route; ore or concentrate; actual preparation and thermal phase; dry-basis Ni, Co, Cu, Fe, Mg, Si, sulfur and relevant deleterious-element assays; free versus bound water; particle size; actual gate/transport; accepted mass and stocks; measured recovery; tailings/waste fate; water basin and return; joint-product/provider allocation and lifetime development output; representative UUID only for nickel-cobalt ore Product/Mass at a compatible plant gate; other ore grades and concentrates need their own exact identities
required_quality_disclosure	Identity and measurement gaps; boundary coverage; uncertainty; allocation; temporal and geographical representativeness
update_trigger	Changed product, route, yield, supply, waste fate, site or representative period

11. Data Sources

Source id	Type	Reference	Used for
bgs-nickel-2008	official_guidance	British Geological Survey, Bide, Hetherington and Gunn, Nickel Mineral Commodity Profile, September2008, original PDF pp.6–9. https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/8725/1/0910_Nickel_Profile.pdf	Qualitative surface/underground sulfide and laterite mining, actual sulfide mineral separation, concentrate dewatering and distinction from downstream smelting/leaching/refining. No historic grade, recovery, mine dimensions, leach conditions or market defaults.
wco-hs26-2022	official_guidance	WCO HS Nomenclature2022 Chapter26, original PDF pp.1–2, mineralogical Note2 and heading2604. https://www.wcoomd.org/-/media/wco/public/global/pdf/topics/nomenclature/instruments-and-tools/hs-nomenclature-2022/2022/0526_2022e.pdf?la=en	Mineral ore/concentrate identity and matte/residue distinction; product boundary only, no new HS mapping or process quantity.
ifc-mining-2007	official_guidance	IFC, Environmental Health and Safety Guidelines for Mining, 10 December 2007, sections 1.1 and Annex A. https://www.ifc.org/content/dam/ifc/doc/2000/2007-mining-ehs-guidelines-en.pdf	Mining water, wastes, emissions, development and closure; no product-specific default factors.
cpc3-notes-2025	official_guidance	UNSD, CPC Version 3.0 Explanatory Notes, 30 June 2025. https://unstats.un.org/unsd/classifications/Econ/Download/In%20Text/CPC_Ver_3.0_Exp_Notes_30Jun2025.pdf	Classification scope only; no process quantities.
ef-allocation-2021	official_guidance	Commission Recommendation (EU) 2021/2279, Annex I section 4.5, consolidated 30 December 2021. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:02021H2279-20211230	Multifunctionality hierarchy; not a claim of complete PEF conformity.