The West Coast is projected to have a boost in jobs with Dundas Mining Pty Ltd announcing a planned restart of mining operations at the Avebury Nickel mine near Zeehan in Tasmania, which has been under care and maintenance since 2009.
TAS Premier Will Hodgman said that the State Government supports the reopening of the mine by investing approximately $3.5 million towards payroll tax relief.
“In a massive boost for jobs on the West Coast, Dundas advises that recruitment will begin immediately for more than 200 jobs in mining, processing and administration,” the Premier said in a statement.
The Avebury Nickel mine is expected to begin production in January 2019. Once operational, the mine is projected to produce up to 50,000 tonnes of nickel concentrate annually.
Mr Hodgman added that the Tasmanian Government will continue to strongly support the local mining industry to help generate further economic activity as well as support local jobs.
“The mining sector is a pillar of Tasmania’s economy, responsible for 55 per cent of our exports and supporting thousands of jobs in regional communities,” Mr Hodgman said.
Braddon MHA Shane Broad has welcomed the the plans to reopen the Avebury Nickel mine and he said that he has been in regular contact with the Dundas Mining regarding the project.
“This will drive the revitalisation of Zeehan and this is critical for the entire West Coast region,” Mr Broad said.
Dundas Mining bought the Avebury mine from MMG in 2017 for $25 million. According to Dundas Mining Chief Executive Geoff Summers, the growth in nickel prices brought about by the uptake in battery technology was one of the reasons to restart operations at the mine.
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Source: Tasmanian Government, The Advocate, TheBull.com.au