WHEN the Kwinana nickel refinery first opened in 1970 then-owner Western Mining Corporation hoped it would produce 15,000 tonnes of the metal a year.
After 40 years, the refinery now produces some 65,000 tonnes of nickel per annum.
Perhaps more importantly, Nickel West Kwinana is one of the region’s biggest employers under current owner BHP Billiton.
Many of those employees and members of the community took the time to celebrate the 40-year milestone last weekend at a special open day at the refinery.
Nickel West Kwinana general manager Brett Swayn opened the celebrations, telling the 600-strong crowd how proud he was of the refinery’s success.
“We are very excited to celebrate 40 years alongside the growing communities of Kwinana and Rockingham,” he said.