BHP makes commitments to nickel workers

BHP Billiton has reportedly made a series of commitments to the unemployed mine workers from the Ravensthorpe nickel operation, including the redeployment of up to 200 former employees.

ABC radio reported Premier Colin Barnett and Mines and Petroleum Minister Norman Moore met with the mining giant yesterday to discuss the closure of the operation.

It was reported that laid-off workers will receive a redundancy payment of 14 weeks salary and BHP is considering repurchasing houses in the area and providing financial assistance to business owners in the area.

Over the development period of the mine, the population in Hopetoun nearly doubled with employees encouraged by the miner to live in the region.

Additionally, ABC reported that 200 employees that were let go could be redeployed to BHP's nickel and aluminium sectors.

BHP spokesperson Samantha Evans told WA Business News that she could not confirm the details of the commitments, saying thecompany was still finalising assistance packages.

Last week BHP announced it was closing the Ravensthorpe operation indefinitely due to a falling nickel price and around 1800 people lost their jobs.

Around 150 people have been retained at the operation should the mine be brought back online.