Chalice Mining Limited (ASX:CHN) boss Alex Dorsch has confirmed that the company has received approaches from large and mid-cap Australian miners as part of its wide-ranging process in which it is exploring a full or partial sale. DataRoom reported last month that Anglo American, South32, BHP and Rio Tinto were expected to be lining up for the $2.3 billion nickel explorer and developer. Sources have said the bid date of the process is August 21, 2023 which is said to still be in the early stages.

At the Diggers & Dealers Conference in Kalgoorlie on August 7, 2023, Mr. Dorsch said the process had informally started in April. Offers had come from car and battery makers from North America, Japan, Korea and Europe, as well as local mining groups. He said the company, which counts mining identity Tim Goyder as its 9% shareholder, was open to partnering with more than one party.

"There is room for multiple partnerships," he said, adding that there was value with a minority partner with an off-taker as well as an operator. The company's main project is its Julimar nickel and copper project in Western Australia's Avon region, 70km northeast of Perth. It is up for grabs amid booming demand for battery minerals with the growing move towards electric vehicles.

But some believe the process could result in an acquisition of the company as a whole.