Australia’s Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King, who has the power to review the list of critical minerals at any time and make temporary revisions when there are major changes in technology, trade, domestic production capacity, or geopolitical developments, declared in mid-February that nickel would be included in the list. The critical minerals list gives nickel mining companies currently facing difficulties the opportunity to access the multi-billion-dollar government critical minerals fund and related grant programs.
Madeleine King stated that since December 16 last year, six operating Australian nickel mines had announced production reductions or production shutdowns for maintenance.
The nickel industry faced huge structural challenges. Australian nickel producers must be able to compete fairly in international markets.
Australia's listing of nickel on its critical minerals list was significant and signals the federal government's intention to provide financial support to a hard-hit industry.
Source: YIEH
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