## BHP Group to Announce Fate of Western Australian Nickel Operations by August
BHP Group, the world's largest listed miner, has announced that it expects to announce the fate of its Western Australian nickel operations by August. This comes as the company continues to review plans for its nickel operations while focusing on preserving cash.
Nickel prices have slumped due to a jump in lower-cost supply from Indonesia, casting a shadow over prospects for nickel production elsewhere around the globe, including in high-cost Australia. BHP put the operations under review at its half-year results in February.
"In Western Australia, we expect to announce a decision on the future of our nickel business in the coming months, where efforts to optimize operations and preserve value are underway," said CEO Mike Henry.
## BHP Trims Fiscal 2024 Output Estimates from Queensland Coal Operations
BHP has also trimmed its fiscal 2024 output estimates from its Queensland coal operations, reflecting significant wet weather impacts. The global miner now expects to produce between 21.5 million and 22.5 million tonnes of metallurgical coal in fiscal 2024 from its assets in the Bowen Basin in Queensland that it owns with Mitsubishi.
The lowered outlook compares to previous expectations of between 23 million to 25 million tonnes of metallurgical coal output, reflecting the impact of two tropical cyclones and operational challenges.
## BHP Reports Rise in Third-Quarter Iron Ore Output
Despite the challenges in its nickel and coal operations, BHP reported a rise in third-quarter iron ore output. This was due to a continued ramp-up of its South Flank mine and improved operational efficiencies in Pilbara, which helped offset the impact of wet weather.
The South Flank mine is on track to ramp up to full production capacity of 80 million tonnes per annum on a 100% basis by the end of fiscal 2024.
BHP's iron ore production from mines it operates in Western Australia on a 100% basis was 68.1 million tonnes during the three months ended March 31, a 3% rise compared with 66.2 million tonnes produced a year earlier.