BHP Billiton could redeploy some of the sacked workers from its Ravensthorpe nickel mine to its iron ore operations in the Pilbara, as the miner confirms that it will buy back 60 houses in the Hopetoun area.

BHP Billiton could redeploy some of the sacked workers from its Ravensthorpe nickel mine to its iron ore operations in the Pilbara, as the miner confirms that it will buy back 60 houses in the Hopetoun area.
A BHP spokesperson told WA Business News the miner is looking to maximise redeployment opportunities following last week's decision to shut its nickel project on the back of falling commodity prices.
Some 1800 employee and contractor jobs were cut from the Ravensthorpe operation.
The spokesperson said the company is still finalising redeployment numbers and did point out BHP had recently approved a $4.8 billion expansion to its Pilbara iron ore operations, known as Rapid Growth Project 5.
Additionally, the spokesperson said BHP has spoken with over 20 business owners in the Ravensthorpe and Hopetoun areas over a financial assistance package.
He said a quantifiable number for the package cannot be provided, with any assistance to be determined on a case by case basis.