BHP Billiton in Talks to Sell Nickel West

Reuters reported yesterday that BHP Billiton Ltd. (ASX:BHP,LSE:BLT,NYSE:BHP) is now in talks to sell its Australian nickel business. Although nickel prices are currently on a tear, the diversified miner is pursuing the sale in an effort to simplify its operations.

As quoted in the market news:

BHP said it was examining all options for Western Australia-based Nickel West, including the sale of all or parts of the business, which includes the Mt Keith, Cliffs and Leinster mines, the Kalgoorlie smelter, Kambalda concentrator and the Kwinana refinery.

‘The process of engaging with third parties has commenced,’ BHP spokeswoman Fiona Hadley said. ‘We’re not going to speculate on the timing or outcomes of the review.’

Click here to read the full Reuters report.