Ravensthorpe

The Ravensthorpe Nickel Operation (RNO) is located 50 kilometres from the south eastern Western Australian town of Hopetoun. The operation is fully owned by First Quantum Australia Nickel Pty Ltd, a subsidiary company belonging to Canadian based international mining company, First Quantum Minerals Limited.

The Ravensthorpe mine has evolved as a result of a successful feasibility
study undertaken by BHP Billiton, near the town of Ravensthorpe, in 2002. The study recommended the construction of a nickel and cobalt mine along with a processing plant 35 kilometres east of the township.

The project was approved by BHP Billiton in 2004 and construction began soon after with the plant finally being commissioned in the latter half of 2007. Nickel production began in October 2007 and the first 5000 tonnes was produced by December the same year. The operation was officially opened in 2008.

BHP Billiton suspended production at the Ravensthorpe Nickel Operation in January 2009 because of a decline in world nickel prices, brought about by the Global Economic Crisis occurring at the time. In December 2009 BHP Billiton sold the Ravensthorpe Nickel Operation to Canadian international mining company, First Quantum Minerals Limited.

First Quantum Minerals Limited returned the Ravensthorpe Nickel Operation to production in December 2011 following a comprehensive process of modification and general infrastructure improvements. The main objective being to improve overall performance of front end mineral processing with the construction of two new crushers, a new dewatering facility and new storage ponds. This preparatory work allowed it to sell nickel and cobalt at an improved competitive price to its customers in China, India and Brazil.

The Ravensthorpe nickel and cobalt mine is operated as an open cut operation that produces hydroxide precipate by means of a sophisticated technical hydrometallurgical process. The operation employs approximately 450 people and is aiming to produce an average of 28,000 tonnes of mixed hydroxide precipitate nickel throughout its estimated life of mine of 30 years.

The Ravensthorpe Nickel Operation has a modern camp village where employees enjoy their own individual permanent ensuite and fridge. The village accommodation also includes; WIFI, satellite TV, bar, dining hall, sporting courts and a fully equipped gymnasium. Work rosters are determined by the employee's role within the workforce but are generally either a nine on five off, seven on seven off or eight on six off. The flight from Perth to the operational site only takes 90 minutes.

Many employees live in Hopetoun, a town located 50 kilometres south of the Ravensthorpe mine and processing facility. Hopetoun offers a beachside lifestyle along with its modern sporting facilities, retail shops and cafe's. First Quantum Minerals Limited have 109 four and three bedroom houses available for the families of its employees who decide to live in Hopetoun, as well as 54 beachside apartments for couples, or single persons. These apartments are close to schools and the town centre as well as being only a short walk to the beach. The houses were constructed in 2008 and were especially designed to promote the seaside lifestyle available in the area.
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