Reuters reported that First Quantum Minerals, which is acquiring BHP Billiton's mothballed Ravensthorpe nickel mine in Australia, plans to begin commercial production at the site within 18 months.

Mr Philip Pascall CEO of First Quantum said that costs to restart the mine, including working capital, will be about USD 145 million. He added that the company has sufficient cash to fund all of its planned projects and it has no plans to divest its stake in Equinox Minerals at this time. There had been market speculation that it might sell the stake to raise funds to carry out its project plans.

(Sourced from www.reuters.com)