WA’s newest nickel sulphide mine officially opens

Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston today congratulated Mincor Resources at the opening of its Cassini nickel mine, 60 kilometres south of Kambalda.

The underground project forms the cornerstone of Mincor’s Kambalda nickel operations, which includes the Long and Durkin North mines and the proposed restart of the Miitel mine.

With a total investment of $179 million, the projects will create more than 200 jobs during operations.

Cassini is a greenfields discovery that will contribute 56 per cent of Mincor’s total nickel over the initial five-year life of the project, with first nickel concentrate to be delivered early 2022.

The mine contains mineral resources of 1.5 million tonnes at four per cent nickel for 58,700 tonnes of contained nickel, and an ore reserve of 1.2 million tonnes at 3.3 per cent nickel for 40,100 tonnes of contained nickel.

Future exploration drilling is planned as the mining development advances, with expansion also possible through the main deposit and the adjacent Cassini North prospect.

A plaque was also unveiled today commemorating Australian geologist Dr Roy Woodall AO, whose pioneering geological work led to the discovery of the Kambalda nickel province.

Comments attributed to Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston:

“To open a new mine is a massive achievement, but to be opening it only a few short years after a massive market downturn and during a pandemic is close to a miracle.

“On behalf of the McGowan Government, I congratulate the Mincor team for the courage and tenacity they have demonstrated in backing its exploration geologists and developing this significant new mine.

“It is fitting that this milestone in the history of Western Australia’s resources sector pays tribute to Dr Roy Woodall, a visionary who knew exploration is risky, but absolutely essential.

“Exploration is the lifeblood of Western Australia’s resources sector and if it leads to a new mine, then new jobs are created.”