Twin Metals Minnesota has awarded a contract to Bechtel Mining & Metals as the lead consultant for the prefeasibility study on the Twin Metals underground copper, nickel and platinum group project in northern Minnesota, US.

The Twin Metals project, a joint venture between Duluth Metals and Antofagasta, covers a total area of about 101km² in the Duluth Complex with four mineral deposits – Spruce Road, Nokomis, Maturi, and Birch Lake.

As part of the contract, Bechtel will designate a project team from its worldwide staff for the project, with key personnel relocating to St Paul, Minnesota.

Antofagasta, which has a 40% interest in Twin Metals, will provide $130m in funding for the project over a three-year period.