The Kwinana Nickel Refinery began operations in 1970 processing
sulphide concentrates from Kambalda using the Sherritt Gordon pressure
leach and hydrogen reduction process to produce nickel metal as powder
and briquette. Over the years a number of changes have seen the refinery capacity
increased from the original design capacity of 15 000 tpa nickel on an all
concentrate feed to its current design capacity of 42 000 tpa nickel on an
all matte feed. This paper outlines the changes in plant equipment and process for the
most recent refinery expansion from 35 000 tpa to 42 000 tpa which have
been implemented since 1992.