
Alliance Nickel Limited (ASX:AXN) has announced that its NiWest Nickel Cobalt Project has been granted Major Project Status (MPS) by the Australian federal government.
The project, located near Leonora, WA, is 100 per cent owned by Alliance and is considered strategically significant, with the potential to significantly contribute to Australia’s economic growth and employment opportunities.
The NiWest Project, boasting one of Australia’s highest-grade undeveloped nickel laterite mineral resources, is targeting annual production of 90,000 tonnes of nickel sulphate and 7,000 tonnes of cobalt sulphate.
The project is expected to create approximately 600 jobs during the construction phase and an additional 300 operational jobs.
It is the first Australian nickel project to be granted MPS since nickel was added to the Critical Minerals List by Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King in February 2024.
Alliance is also in discussions with WA government agencies to further streamline approvals as it progresses towards finalising a definitive feasibility study (DFS) in the second half of the year.
Alliance Nickel Managing Director and CEO Mr Paul Kopejtka expressed his delight at NiWest’s recognition as a project of national significance, highlighting its importance for the industry and the economy.
He expressed eagerness to collaborate with relevant ministers, government, and industry bodies as the project moves towards construction.
MPS is awarded to projects and companies deemed to be of national importance.
It provides additional support through the Major Projects Facilitation Agency, helping navigate and coordinate complex federal and state regulatory approvals for three years.