Posted on 21 Jul 2025
Global miner BHP is assessing the potential divestment of its Western Australia Nickel (WAN) assets amid poor nickel prices, Kallanish notes.
"Any decision to divest will be subject to an assessment against other options, including continuing temporary suspension, restart or closure," the firm says in a statement.
WAN transitioned into temporary suspension in HY25. As previously announced, BHP intends to review the decision to temporarily suspend WAN by February 2027.
During the review process, BHP says it is committed to support the workforce with a people first approach. This includes ensuring the ongoing safety and integrity of the mines and related infrastructure and working work closely with Traditional Owners, governments and suppliers. Whilst also investing in local communities via the AUD 20 million ($13.02m) Community Fund established in 2024 as well as investing in exploration to extend the resource life of WAN and preserve optionality.
Due to the suspension, WAN's nickel production fell 63% year-on-year to 30,000 tonnes in the financial year ended 30 June 2025 (FY25).
In the fourth quarter, WAN's production slumped 87% quarter-on-quarter to 300t. According to the firm, this material was additional saleable production recovered from inventory during the temporary suspension.
Source:Kallanish
