Kalgoorlie Nickel Smelter celebrates 50 years

BHP (ASX: BHP) Nickel West today marked the 50th anniversary of its Kalgoorlie Nickel Smelter with a community celebration at site.

The smelter, officially opened by former Prime Minister Gough Whitlam on 7 April 1973, was the first nickel smelter in the country and continues to operate one of the largest flash furnaces in the world.

Over its five decades of operations, it is estimated to have produced around 3.5mt of nickel matte.

BHP Nickel West general manager Kalgoorlie Jacinta Parsons says the smelter has 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 largest employers in the region with a residential workforce of around 300 employees, including additional contractors and local business partners who support the site and its ongoing operations.

The smelter produces between 80,000-105,000tpa of nickel matte, with the majority sent on to Nickel West’s Kwinana Refinery and converted into high quality refined nickel.

More than 85% of BHP Nickel West’s products are sold to global battery material suppliers.