Kalgoorlie Nickel Smelter celebrates 50 years of operation

Australia’s first nickel smelter, which operates on the outskirts of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, celebrated 50 years of operation on Friday. BHP Nickel West marked the milestone of its Kalgoorlie nickel smelter with a community celebration event at the site on Smelterman Drive on Friday afternoon. The facility was the first nickel smelter in the country and was officially opened by former Australian Prime Minister Gough Whitlam April 7, 1973. Over its five decades of operation, it is estimated to have produced about 3.5 million tonnes of nickel matte from one of the world’s biggest flash furnaces which it continues to operate. BHP Nickel West general manager Kalgoorlie Jacinta Parsons said the smelter had played a major part in the history and development of the region. “For half a century we’ve been an active member of the Kalgoorlie community, and we’re really proud to have helped support generations of local families and businesses through employment opportunities, investing in the community and contributing to the local economy,” she said. “Fifty years is an incredible milestone and it would not have been possible without the hard work and support of all those who have been part of the journey so far. “The smelter is the heart of our Nickel West business, which is one the world’s leading nickel suppliers to the battery metals market. “So, as we celebrate the past, I’m also excited for the future and the smelter’s role in producing the nickel that will help the world decarbonise.” The Kalgoorlie Nickel Smelter is one of the biggest employers in the region with a residential workforce of about 300 employees and additional contractors and local business partners who support the site and its ongoing operations. BHP said the smelter produced between 80,000 to 105,000 tonnes of nickel matte per annum, with the majority sent on to Nickel West’s Kwinana Refinery and converted into high quality refined nickel. The company said more than 85 per cent of BHP Nickel West’s products are sold to global battery material suppliers.