The Shire of Ravensthorpe said that its dealings to date with the new owners of the town's nickel operation have been positive.

First Quantum Minerals has finalized its purchase of the Ravensthorpe mine from BHP Billiton for more than USD 382.6 million. A total of 1,800 people lost their jobs when BHP shut down the mine early last year.

Mr Ian Goldfinch president of Shire said that First Quantum has moved to assure residents the company is around for the long term.

He added that "They've kept us informed. We've had a few meetings with them and they've been very up front on what they're doing. They're going to do a fair bit of work updating things up there. I think that this will be very good for the district."

(Sourced from www.abc.net.au)