Minara in running for Ravensthorpe mine
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AAP
2009-11-02
Nickel laterite miner Minara Resources Ltd has confirmed it is in the running to buy BHP Billiton's mothballed Ravensthorpe operation in Western Australia.
Minara, Australia's only nickel laterite miner, said it was exploring funding options to purchase the assets.
"Minara confirms it is participating in the sales process, which is subject to strict confidentiality obligations," the company said in a statement on Monday.
"There is no certainty of the outcome of Minara's participation in the sale process," it said.
The company was forced to make the statement after news of its involvement was published in The Australian Financial Review.
Ravensthorpe cost BHP Billiton more than $US2.2 billion ($A2.45 billion) to build but it was closed within eight months, leaving 2,100 people without a job.
The newspaper said China Metallurgical Group was also interested in purchasing Ravensthorpe.
