Published on Thursday, 15 February 2024 at 3:01:02 PM
The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder is closely monitoring the recent sharp decline in the Nickel industry and the impact of this on our local mining sector and community.
This is devastating news but not uncommon in the mining sector. Mining cycle changes can be sharp and swift, as we have seen with the fluctuation in Nickel pricing over the last few months.
The City has been proactively collaborating with Goldfields Voluntary Regional Organisation of Councils (GVROC) Chair and Shire of Coolgardie President Malcolm Cullen to ensure that our region is supported by mining operations post any closure.
The City remains actively engaged in discussions surrounding projects involving nickel mining and is confident that these projects will move forward as soon as marketing conditions improve.
As a member of the Australian Mining Cities Alliance (AMCA), the City is part of a collective effort to address challenges faced by cities impacted by mineral processing and production changes.
The City will host AMCA members later this year and continue to exchange ideas, collaborate, and advocate for our City’s continued social and economic development.
The potential closure of BHP’s Nickel West operations will have a significant impact on the livelihoods of many, and the City will continue to work collaboratively with all parties to minimise the impact on our local community.
We are committed to exploring avenues for support and development, particularly economic diversification, to ensure the resilience and sustainability of our region in the face of industry fluctuations.
Acting CEO, Alex Wiese has requested a briefing to Council by BHP to enable the City to better understand the situation and possible implications from their recent announcement.
BHP has advised they are in a blackout period due to market listing requirements until Tuesday next week, however, a briefing meeting has been scheduled for late Tuesday afternoon.
Discussions will include the proposed expansion of the Kalgoorlie Nickel Smelter and the associated Workforce Accommodation Facility, for which the City has been in negotiations with BHP and has received a Joint Development Assessment Panel Application.
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