Ravensthorpe buyer welcomed: Crook

Author: Tony Crook
Published on: 09-December-2009

FEDERAL candidate for the seat of O‟Connor, Tony Crook, has welcomed today‟s announcement of the sale of the mothballed Ravensthorpe Nickel Mine.

Mining giant BHP Billiton sold the mine to Canadian copper producer First Quantum Minerals, with the new owners saying they are committed to opening the mine “within a realistic time-frame”.

Mr Crook, who is the endorsed Nationals candidate for O‟Connor, said the announcement was “great news” for the entire Ravensthorpe community.

“I am delighted for the people of Ravensthorpe and Hopetoun, to hear the news of this sale,” he said.

“No doubt the residents are a bit „gun shy‟ after the closure and the effect it had on their livelihood, so I look forward to the new owners proceeding in a timely and professional manner to gain back confidence and support.”

Mr Crook said he particularly hoped that those local businesses who had invested in the community already and had “stuck to their guns” would get a boost when the mine re-opens.

BHP closed the $2.3 billion project in January on plunging nickel prices and troubles in exploiting the nickel laterite deposits.

The move cost 1800 jobs and sent shock waves through the Ravensthorpe and Hopetoun communities.

For further comment contact Tony Crook on 0408 934 542