Over recent months, we have been reviewing our Western Australia Nickel business, which includes Nickel West operations and the West Musgrave project. This review has focused on stemming losses and identifying a viable path forward, driven by an oversupply of nickel globally. 

Like many nickel producers in Western Australia – and for others around the world – it has been a challenging time to operate. 

After exploring all options, we have made the very difficult but necessary decision to temporarily suspend operations from October 2024. We intend to review the decision by February 2027. 

We will continue to invest approximately A$450 million per year in the Western Australia Nickel facilities to enable a potential re-start should market conditions and the outlook for nickel improve.

Supporting our people and communities

We know this is a challenging period for the Western Australia Nickel team and surrounding communities.  

All frontline employees will be provided the option for redeployment to alternative roles in Minerals Australia assets, and best endeavours will be made to offer all employees alternative roles.  

Recognising that people will have individual and unique circumstances, we will work through this respectfully and reasonably as we engage on next steps. 

We will work closely with local communities, Traditional Owners and suppliers to support a responsible transition process, which will include the establishment of a A$20 million Community Fund. 

Western Australia remains an important investment destination for BHP globally, with investment in the State expected to be greater than AU$12 billion over the next five years. We will continue to work with our Western Australian stakeholders to advance the economic prosperity of the state. 

Get in touch

We will continue to provide updates as we work through the transition.