$US2.1b nickel mine set to boost regional WA

A mine that will employ 650 workers and produce up to 50,000 tonnes of nickel and 1400 tonnes of cobalt per annum over its 25-year life span has opened in Western Australia's south-east.

BHP Billiton’s $US2.1 billion Ravensthorpe Nickel Mine, located 35 kilometres east of Ravensthorpe, was officially opened by the State’s Premier Alan Carpenter and the Federal Minister for Resources and Energy Martin Ferguson on Friday 23 May.

Department of Industry and Resources General Manager of the New Projects South Branch Simon Skevington said the project was the culmination of eight years work by the Federal and State Government, BHP Billiton and other key stakeholders.

“The project’s successful completion is a result of close liaison between BHP Billiton, the Shires of Ravensthorpe and Esperance, the Goldfields – Esperance Development Commission, a number of key State Government agencies and the Federal Government,” he said.

“An historic 2004 agreement saw the State Government contribute $18 million, the Federal Government $9.8 million and BHP Billiton $9.5 million for the development of multi-user infrastructure in the Shire of Ravensthorpe.

“State Government funding was contingent on a local workforce rather than fly-in, fly-out, resulting in the project providing new opportunities for the development of regional WA communities.”

New infrastructure developed in the Shire of Ravensthorpe includes the Hopetoun Primary School, Ravensthorpe Airport and Ravensthorpe Entertainment Centre. Several roads have also been upgraded.

“Infrastructure pressures associated with BHP Billiton, more than doubling its expected workforce near completion, has provided an opportunity for the State Government to explore new energy, water and wastewater solutions,” he said.

“LandCorp has been asked to lead a study to establish innovative solutions for infrastructure problems in Hopetoun that can be used in other regional towns across WA.

“The study is expected to be finalised in June this year.”

The Ravensthorpe Nickel project is the single biggest investment in BHP Billiton’s history, and helps to place WA’s nickel industry as the third largest in the world.

BHP Billiton chairman Don Argus said the project had set a new benchmark in the development of social infrastructure for resources projects.

“I’d like to acknowledge the State and Federal Governments for their support of community infrastructure and congratulate the Shire of Ravensthorpe on integrating this major new operation into the social and economic landscape of the region,” Mr Argus said.

“As well as its important social and economic outcomes, Ravensthorpe Nickel has further developed WA’s nickel laterite technology and enhanced the State’s already formidable reputation for mineral processing.”