BHP Billiton Ltd will lose around 28,000 tonnes in nickel sales after deciding to bring forward major maintenance plans at its Kalgoorlie nickel smelter, resulting in a four-month shutdown of two nickel plants.

BHP Billiton Ltd will lose around 28,000 tonnes in nickel sales after deciding to bring forward major maintenance plans at its Kalgoorlie nickel smelter, resulting in a four-month shutdown of two nickel plants.