Mt Keith Mine Alliance

Mt Keith is an open-pit nickel mine located within the Shire of Wiluna, 720 kilometres north-east of Perth and 430 kilometres north of Kalgoorlie in Western Australia’s North Eastern Goldfields.

In 2003, Thiess strengthened its position in the metalliferous mining sector, securing a three-year alliance with the then Western Mining Resources (now BHP Billiton Nickel West) for mining operations at Mt Keith.

The alliance was responsible for driving the Mt Keith Pit more than 600 metres deep and moving more than 95 million tonnes of material annually.

More than 500 employees operated the mine 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year and contributed to the world’s nickel supply. The alliance enabled Thiess and BHP Billiton to work in an integrated management team to manage the challenges presented by this large open cut mine. Carey Mining Services, a local Aboriginal corporation, provided labour hire for the mine.