 In 1971, the mine was thought to be able to provide 10% of the world's demand for nickel; in 1992 it was estimated as containing 270 million tons of sulfide ore, grading 0.6% nickel, enough for about twenty years.Owned by WMC Resources Limited, it was acquired by BHP in June 2005.In 2009, BHP reduced the mine's activity, laying off 300 employees.