Ravensthorpe to get a new life

In less than 12 months, the Ravensthorpe Mine Site has seen a complete reversal of fortune, with First Quantum, a Canadian company, buying the operation and announcing plans to bring production online in late 2011.

First Quantum expects around 600 jobs – significantly less than the 1800 previously employed – to be created. The site will also require a number of changes and upgrades, which will generate opportunities for construction suppliers and employment.

In addition, the company purchased 160 houses in the township of Hopetoun. The company is expected to hire a split between locally-based employees and fly-in, fly-out.