The expanded Grade Control and RC Exploration drilling services form part of BHP’s planned revitalisation of its nickel business, which includes the development of two new open pits to feed its operations at Mt Keith, 450 km north of Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
JSW has a long-established relationship with the operation, based on the grade control services as well as presplit and batter and buffer blasthole drilling carried out at Mt Keith over more than a decade.
The successful delivery of these services provided the foundation for the extension of services.
The first ore from the new pits is expected by the end of 2019.
The mines are coming on line as demand increases for nickel in the production of electric vehicles and lithium-ion batteries.
JSW is excited to be part of these projects and to be able to provide its customised drilling solutions to support the development of the nickel supply chain in Western Australia.