West Musgrave investment decision to create hundreds of jobs

The Final Investment Decision has given OZ Minerals the green light for the West Musgrave copper and nickel project.

During construction, it is estimated the project will create 1,500 jobs during construction and 400 ongoing operational jobs.

The $1.7 billion project will help unlock one of the world's largest untapped nickel deposits.

The low emissions West Musgrave project has met all regulatory approvals and has the support of the Ngaanyatjarra Council Group.

Nickel and copper are in-demand minerals for the global electrification and renewable energy industries.

Nickel production in Western Australia is expected to show strong growth in the coming years, as the global demand for lithium-ion batteries continues to grow.

WA's nickel sales were valued at $3.7 billion in 2021 and the sector employed more than 7,900 workers.

Copper sales were valued at more than $1.7 billion in 2021.

As a testament to WA's innovative and technical capability, the West Musgrave project will provide a strong foundation for further investment and industry development.

The West Musgrave project is being designed to be one of the largest fully offgrid, hybrid powered mines in the world.

The minerals from West Musgrave will be exported from Esperance.

State Development, Jobs and Trade Minister Roger Cook said, “The announcement from OZ Minerals that it has reached a positive final investment decision for the West Musgrave copper and nickel project is a boon for the State and has the potential to open a new minerals province in Western Australia.

“This project has the potential to open up a new minerals region in WA at an important time in the global transition to renewables.

Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston said, “This billion-dollar-plus investment is great news for WA's economy and the mine’s 24-year operating life will support hundreds of jobs into the future.

“It's especially pleasing to see the West Musgrave support renewable energy, with about 80 per cent of the project's needs being sourced from solar and wind.

“With the global battery market expected to increase 10-fold by 2030 and 40-fold by 2050, we expect the strong demand for WA's battery and critical minerals to continue growing.”