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.