Production is expected to reach around 16,000 tonnes per annum of nickel-in-concentrate, which will be processed at BHP’s Kambalda nickel concentrator.

The 18-month journey to nickel production to date is in part a credit to BHP’s almost $100 million capital raising contribution.

Mincor managing director David Southam expressed the importance of the opening.

“The official opening of the first new nickel sulphide mine in the region in over a decade is a proud moment, and one that signals the start of a new chapter for this world-renowned nickel district,” he said.

Mincor chairman Brett Lambert also outlined the impact the operation would have on Mincor’s overall business strategy.

“Today’s official opening ceremony marks a key milestone towards realising our vision to resume profitable and sustainable nickel sulphide mining in Kambalda, and to do so in an environmentally responsible and ethical manner that will see this great nickel province return to the forefront of class one nickel production globally,” Lambert said.

Western Australia’s Minister for Mines and Petroleum Bill Johnston conducted the opening ceremony in front of Traditional Owners, shareholders, strategic partners, bankers, investors and media.

The ceremony included the unveiling of a plaque engraved with “The Woodall Decline”, as Mincor named the Cassini decline after Australian geologist Roy Woodall, whose work led to the region’s eventual nickel operations.

“We are also deeply honoured that the Woodall family has allowed us to celebrate the legacy of doctor Roy Woodall, the ‘father of Kambalda’, by naming the Cassini Decline the ‘Woodall Decline’,” Southam said.

“This is a wonderful symbolic connection between Kambalda’s rich past and its exciting future as a key supplier to the booming battery metals sector, fuelled by the burgeoning electric-vehicle industry worldwide.”