BASE METALS

WMC expands refinery as nickel surges

WMC is positioning itself to ride the surge in the nickel industry with the expansion of its West...

MiningNews.Net

After the upgrade the plant will be capable of a throughput of 67,000 tonnes per annum (previously 42,000t) and WMC says it may consider increasing the capacity further to 70,000tpa.

The plant is on track to reach full capacity by mid-July 2001.

WMC's output has risen 35% in the past four years from 46,000 to 61,000tpa at a capital cost of US$0.20 per annual/lb.

"This is easily the cheapest expansion of its kind in the world," WMC executive general manager nickel, Peter Johnston, said.

"WMC's integrated nickel business is now the most profitable in the world."

He said costs had been kept low through increased process intensity, process control and improvements and targeted capital de-bottlenecking.

WMC's posted a half-year operating profit of $435.5 million before currency and commodity hedging.

 

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the mining sector, brought to you by the Mining News Intelligence team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the mining sector, brought to you by the Mining News Intelligence team.

editions

MiningNews.net Research Report 2025

The MNN Research Report 2025 provides insights into critical mining themes in Australia/Oceania, including top projects, C-suite priorities, risk, ESG performance and investor sentiment.

editions

Mining Journal Intelligence: Investor Sentiment Report 2025

Exclusive insights into the plans, priorities and preferences of 130+ mining investors and top factors influencing investment decisions in 2025.

editions

Mining Journal Intelligence World Risk Report 2024 (feat. MineHutte ratings)

A detailed analysis of mining investment risks across 117 jurisdictions globally, assessed across six risk categories and an industrywide survey.

editions

Mining Company ESG Index: Benchmarking the Future of Sustainable Mining

The Mining Company ESG Index report provides an in-depth evaluation of ESG performance of 61 of the world's largest mining companies. Using a robust framework, it assesses each company across 9 meticulously weighted indicators within 6 essential pillars.