Mincor Resources and offtake partner BHP have processed first nickel ore through BHP’s just-refurbished Kambalda Nickel Concentrator (NKC) in Western Australia.

It is the first ore to be processed by the facility since it was placed on care and maintenance in 2018. The milestone also bests Mincor’s initial estimate of the June quarter of this year for first nickel concentrate production.

Mincor Managing Director David Southam, who said first sales should be realised in June, called the work and commissioning a significant milestone at an exceptional standard.

“Once again, Kambalda is proudly delivering high-grade nickel production for global markets – and it is doing so on the cusp of an exciting new era of growth for the nickel industry driven by the new-energy economy,” he added.

Mincor’s ore deliveries through the end of this month will be converted into an imputed nickel-in-concentrate using a grade-recovery curve.

Jessica Farrell, asset president BHP Nickel West, noted that the work between the two companies goes back to 2004.

“BHP is committed to the Goldfields region through investment, jobs and providing benefits to the local community. As the world transitions to a decarbonised future, BHP’s future facing portfolio, including our nickel assets, will be essential to meet growing demand in the global battery and electric vehicle market,” she said.

Source: Mincor Resources