SURFACE

Ravensthorpe to ramp up

First Quantum Minerals, owner of the previously mothballed Ravensthorpe nickel operation in Western Australia, has set its production targets for the mine as it is now coming online

First Quantum's Ravensthorpe nickel mine in WA

First Quantum's Ravensthorpe nickel mine in WA

President Geoffrey Clive Newall said in the company's preliminary production and guidance report released January 9 that, for 2020, it was aiming for nickel production of 15,000 to 20,000 tonnes.

For 2021, it is eyeing a range of 25,000t to 28,000t; the miner said that rate was scheduled to be maintained through 2022.

First Quantum recently appointed its open-pit contractor, Maca; its scope of work includes load and haul, drilling and blasting.

Ravensthorpe, which had been a BHP operation prior to First Quantum's acquisition of it nine years ago, had been on care and maintenance since late 2017.

First Quantum owns 100% of the mine, which is situated about 550 kilometres southeast of Perth.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the mining sector, brought to you by the Mining Magazine Intelligence team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the mining sector, brought to you by the Mining Magazine Intelligence team.

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence Future Fleets Report 2024

The report paints a picture of the equipment landscape and includes detailed profiles of mines that are employing these fleets

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence Digitalisation Report 2023

An in-depth review of operations that use digitalisation technology to drive improvements across all areas of mining production

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence Automation Report 2023

An in-depth review of operations using autonomous solutions in every region and sector, including analysis of the factors driving investment decisions

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence Exploration Report 2023 (feat. Opaxe data)

A comprehensive review of current exploration rates, trending exploration technologies, a ranking of top drill intercepts and a catalog of 2022 Initial Resource Estimates and recent discovery successes.