The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA (CME) Chief Executive, Rebecca Tomkinson, said BHP’s decision today to temporarily suspend its WA nickel business is disappointing but responsible given the difficult market conditions facing Western Australian nickel producers.
This decision follows similar moves made by First Quantum and Wyloo earlier this year.
“This is a challenging time for our critical minerals sector and we’re committed to working closely with State and Federal Governments to ensure our policy settings remain competitive, enabling the industry’s viability across all time horizons – short, medium and longer-term,” Ms Tomkinson said.
“BHP is a significant employer in WA with strong ties to the local communities of Leinster, Leonora, Kalgoorlie and Kambalda. I know this decision comes after months of operational review and careful consideration of options. It has not been made lightly.
“We are fortunate right now that the WA minerals sector remains vibrant, so workers impacted by this decision are in a good position to secure work elsewhere in resources.
“But we cannot become complacent. We must continue to keep WA mining strong by having a robust and efficient legislative framework in place that fosters future development.
“I’m pleased to see BHP providing support to the communities that are impacted, through redeployment for frontline workers and the $20 million community fund.”
Ms Tomkinson added that this is not closure of BHP’s nickel business, but a suspension of operations with an option to recommence operations, and other critical minerals operations remain strong.
“There continue to be significant opportunities for WA in the development of our battery and critical minerals and the broader WA resources industry continues to play an important role in delivering jobs, royalties and broader benefits to the WA community.”
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Media contact: Natasha Mutch, n.mutch@cmewa.com