Australia is a major producer of nickel ores and concentrates. Nickel has a number of commercial applications, with more than 80 per cent of nickel used to make nickel alloys.
Australian Industry Structure
Western Australia currently produces 100 per cent of Australia's nickel. Prospective exploration activity in other States has been stalled by the low price of nickel worldwide. A number of small mines were brought online from 2004 due to the higher global price of nickel. However, these and other mines have been closed or placed on care and maintenance since late 2008 following historically low nickel prices.
Nickel refineries are located in Queensland and Western Australia, with a smelter in Western Australia. Nickel West, part of BHP Billiton, is Australia’s largest nickel producer. BHP Billiton recently sold the Queensland based Yabulu nickel refinery to companies owned by Australian businessman Clive Palmer. Russian based Norilsk has placed its Australian nickel assets on care and maintenance.
International Engagement
Australia is a member of the International Nickel Study Group (INSG), an intergovernmental organization which provides opportunities for regular consultations on international trade issues related to nickel. Further information regarding the INSG is available from the Department’s International Mineral Study Groups webpage and the International Nickel Study Group
website.