A major mineral producer decided to suspend some work due to challenging conditions.
BHP recently confirmed it would suspend activities at its Kambalda concentrator due to a “very tough” operating environment.
“BHP will transition the Kambalda concentrator’s crushing, milling and flotation circuits into care and maintenance from June 2024. Around 20 roles will be impacted and we will work closely with our people to support them,” Nickel West asset president Jessica Farrell said according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
The remarks came after Wyloo Metals separately planned to place its recently acquired Kambalda nickel mines into care and maintenance by 31 May 2024.
The proponent owned by resources mogul Andrew Forrest had purchased the Cassini, Long and Durkin sites for $760 million back in 2023. They directly employ 44 people plus a further 220 external contractors.
“The decision to temporarily pause our operations in the current nickel market will allow us to develop and assess these options as we move towards our long-term strategy to mine and process nickel from our own facilities in Kambalda and Kwinana,” Wyloo CEO and director Luca Giacovazzi said according to the broadcaster.
“Our priority is to support our people through this transition, and we will work with our contractor partner and Fortescue to explore potential job opportunities for impacted employees.”
Nickel spot prices dropped nearly 42 per cent to US$16,460 (A$24,812) a tonne between January and December 2023 according to the YCharts website.
Add Comment