Thompson Mine Complex transaction closes, helping secure a stronger future for Canadian nickel

Today, the Honourable Wab Kinew, Premier of Manitoba; the Honourable Rebecca Chartrand, Canada’s Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency; and representatives from Exiro Minerals Corp., Orion Resource Partners and Vale Base Metals (VBM) marked the completion of Exiro Nickel’s acquisition of the Thompson Mine Complex in Manitoba, ushering in a new chapter for one of Canada’s most significant nickel mining operations.

October 16, 2026                                          Thompson, Manitoba                                             Natural Resources Canada

Today, the Honourable Wab Kinew, Premier of Manitoba; the Honourable Rebecca Chartrand, Canada’s Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency; and representatives from Exiro Minerals Corp., Orion Resource Partners and Vale Base Metals (VBM) marked the completion of Exiro Nickel’s acquisition of the Thompson Mine Complex in Manitoba, ushering in a new chapter for one of Canada’s most significant nickel mining operations.

Located along the world-renowned Thompson Nickel Belt, which is the fourth-largest Class 1 nickel sulphide resource globally, the Thompson Mine Complex includes two underground mines, a mill and extensive exploration assets and produces 10 to 15 percent of annual Canadian nickel production. For more than six decades, it has been a cornerstone of Manitoba’s economy, supporting thousands of skilled workers and contractors while developing and supplying Canadian nickel, a critical mineral essential to electric vehicle batteries, stainless steel production and energy storage systems.