Up to 240 jobs could be lost as BHP Billiton has announced that it will suspend operations at its Leinster nickel mine in Western Australia.
“Mining at the Rocky’s Reward open-pit mine at Leinster nickel operation will be safely wound down and placed on care and maintenance,” a BHP statement read.
Blaming the closure on the continuing deterioration of nickel demand, BHP said the decision will affect 20 permanent employees and 220 contract workers.
“BHP Billiton will consult with and seek to maximise internal redeployment opportunities for its employees,” the company said.
“Where redeployment is not possible, BHP Billiton will provide full entitlements and support services to employees and their families, including outplacement services.”
In January this year BHP announced plans to cut 6000 jobs from its global workforce, closing its Ravensthorpe nickel operation in WA six months after its opening, resulting in the loss of around 1450 jobs.
BHP said that it will work with suppliers and the local communities in order to minimise the effects of the Leinster decision.
“Leinster nickel underground mining operations and the processing plant will continue to operate as normal,” the company said.