BHP Billiton today announced approval for the Talc Redesign Project at the Mount Keith operation.

The Talc Redesign Project is expected to commence operation in 2011, with an estimated total investment of US$ 152 million.

The Talc Redesign Project will enable the Mount Keith Concentrator to obtain full value from processing talc-bearing ore types.

The project will support the production and cost improvements at Mount Keith operation. This will assist in sustaining the production level at Kalgoorlie Nickel Smelter at approximately 100,000 tonnes per annum.

This Nickel West investment follows the successful start-up of the new Cliffs nickel mine last year at Leinster Nickel Operation.