OZ Minerals has greenlit its proposed $1.7 billion West Musgrave copper and nickel project, in a decision praised by the Western Australian Government for its reinforcement of the state’s global leadership in battery and critical minerals industries.
The $1.7 billion project will help to unlock one of the world’s largest untapped nickel deposits in Esperance, and will employ up to 400 ongoing workers.
State Development, Jobs and Trade Minister, Roger Cook, said the government was committed to its support for the project.
“Today’s announcement from OZ Minerals that it has reached a positive final investment decision for the West Musgrave copper and nickel project is a boon for the state and has the potential to open a new minerals province in Western Australia,” Mr Cook said.
“The McGowan Government is committed to supporting projects that create more jobs and economic benefits for Western Australians.
“This project has the potential to open up a new minerals region in WA at an important time in the global transition to renewables.
“The OZ Minerals decision reinforces Western Australia’s leadership role in the global battery and critical minerals industry.
“Importantly, the decision to proceed with West Musgrave will provide significant social and economic opportunities for the Ngaanyatjarra communities.”
Nickel production in Western Australia is expected to show strong growth in the coming years, as the global demand for lithium-ion batteries continues to grow.
Western Australia’s nickel sales were valued at $3.7 billion in 2021, copper sales also netted a $1.7 billion valuation for the same period.
