The Federal Government has recognised the Wingellina Nickel-Cobalt Project’s significance in critical minerals development and has awarded it major project status (MPS).
Nico Resources’ Wingellina Project hosts one of the world’s largest undeveloped oxide-type nickel-cobalt reserves, with production expected to meet critical mineral demand for global decarbonisation efforts.
MPS recognises the project’s national significance in developing Australia’s critical minerals, which aligns with the government’s strategic policies and priorities.
MPS provides Nico with access to the Major Projects Facilitation Agency, which will provide additional resources to assist in the project’s development, including streamlining regulatory approvals.
Wingellina is a large oxide-type nickel-cobalt limonite deposit located in the Musgrave Ranges of Western Australia, approximately 100km east of BHP’s West Musgrave Nickel-Copper Project. Wingellina hosts an open pit mining reserve containing 1.56 million tonnes of nickel metal and 123k tonnes of cobalt metal.
A December 2022 pre-feasibility study outlined a viable project capable of producing up to 40,000t of nickel and 3,000t of cobalt in a mixed hydroxide precipitate (MHP) for at least 42 years. The MHP product contains essential critical minerals used in batteries and energy storage systems required for the global energy transition.
When developed, Wingellina will play a critical role in the Federal Government’s strategy to create resilient and diverse supply chains, build Australia’s sovereign capability in critical minerals processing and create significant economic opportunities for regional and Indigenous communities.
Nico Resources Managing Director, Jonathan Shellabear, said the company welcomes the Federal Government awarding MPS to the Wingellina Project.
“This recognises the project’s significance to economic growth, employment opportunities and regional development for the country.
“Wingellina is one of the largest undeveloped nickel-cobalt projects globally and one of very few development opportunities for a major new nickel development outside the Chinese-dominated Indonesian nickel industry.
“We are very pleased the Federal Government has recognised the significance of the Wingellina project and look forward to working with Federal and State Governments to progress the project toward development for the benefit of all stakeholders.”
