Earthquake to Lower Nickel Output from BHP’s Perseverance

Reuters reported that BHP Billiton Ltd.’s (ASX:BHP,LSE:BLT,NYSE:BHP) nickel production will be lower this quarter because a magnitude 3.7 earthquake has forced it to halt operations at its Western Australia-based Perseverance mine.

As quoted in the market news:

The company’s nearby Mt Keith, Cliffs and Kambalda mines and its Kalgoorlie smelter and Kwinana refinery were not affected by the quake and were operating as normal, BHP said.

Production from the Kwinana nickel refinery on the western Australian coast would be maintained in the short term, but the suspension at Perseverance was likely to reduce total saleable nickel output in the December 2013 quarter, it said.

BHP said a small crew was working underground to re-establish access, carry out inspections, assessments and maintenance of essential services.

Other staff had been notified that they are not required at work until further notice, BHP said.

Click here to read the full Reuters report.