Mr Colin Barnett Premier of Western Australia said that he knows of at least two Chinese companies that are looking to buy the Ravensthorpe nickel mine.

Mr Barnett said that he is optimistic the mine will re open as long as BHP agrees to a realistic selling price. He expects the new buyer would want to start production straight away but concedes there is no obligation to do so.

He added that "There is no state agreement covering the Ravensthorpe project. However, I am doing all that I can to encourage prospective buyers and also encouraging BHP to reach a fair resolution."

(Sourced from www.abc.net.au)