Forrest nickel boss says BHP now happy
Kalgoorlie | Forrest family-owned Wyloo Metals says its recently acquired nickel mines are running at capacity and that major customer BHP has accepted all deliveries in a sign product quality issues are now under control.
A month after wrapping up the $760 million acquisition of Mincor Resources, Wyloo boss Luca Giacovazzi said it was full steam ahead in nickel.
Wyloo Metals chief executive Luca Giacovazzi: “Our blending is a lot better now.” Trevor Collens
Wyloo is preparing to pump tens of millions of dollars into exploration around Kambalda and Widgiemooltha after ramping up production at the Cassini and Northern operations formerly owned by Mincor.
It is also considering reopening mines that have been closed for years in the nickel sulphide-rich district.
Mr Giacovazzi’s comments on Wednesday are the clearest sign that plans for major privately owned Forrest businesses remain on track after Andrew and Nicola Forrest’s separation.
In a series of exclusive reports in July, The Australian Financial Review revealed the couple had separated after 31 years of marriage and divided up their shareholdings in private investment vehicle Tattarang, which has oversight of Wyloo, and in ASX-listed iron ore giant Fortescue Metals Group.
Mr Giacovazzi said Wyloo remained committed to mine development and downstream processing plans thought to total about $3 billion.
Dr Forrest said in July that he was willing to invest “whatever it takes” to become a global force in nickel.
However, Wyloo and joint venture partner IGO would not continue with plans for a downstream nickel processing plant in WA unless they could bring in a third party with experience in producing precursor material for battery cathodes known as pCAM.
IGO last month
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