A nickel mine in southern Western Australia is set to close, with more than 300 jobs lost.

First Quantum Minerals confirmed on Monday that its Ravensthorpe Nickel Operation (RNO), 500km south-east of Perth, would be placed into care and maintenance.

In a statement, the Canadian company said about 330 roles would be “made redundant”.

The company cited lower nickel prices projected for the next few years and higher operating costs.

“It is anticipated all production will cease by late May, with various activities underway in the coming weeks to ensure a planned, safe wind-down of processing and other areas,” a First Quantum spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said First Quantum acknowledged it’s decision would have a significant impact on its employees and their families.

“A smaller, dedicated care and maintenance team will be appointed from current RNO employees to ensure the site is safe and preserved for a future re-start.”

The company said it would continue to engage with the Ravensthorpe and Hopetoun communities, and pledged a “large proportion” of the care and maintenance team would continue to be locally based.

‘Like déjà vu’

Ravensthorpe Shire president Tom Major said the decision was a blow for the region.

“We were hopeful that it [the mine] might continue, but it’s going to hurt for those people,” he said.

Mr Major said the impact on the Hopetoun and Ravensthorpe communities would be significant.

“We’re a resilient community, but there’s going to be a significant number of people without jobs from this point on,” he said.

The announcement comes after the mine was previously closed in 2009 and 2017.

The 2017 closure cost 450 jobs, while the 2009 shutdown left 1,800 people out of work.

Mr Major said today’s announcement was “like déjà vu”.

“Each time our community learns and grows from it and becomes more resilient,” he said.

“I’ve got full confidence that we will weather the storm.”

Community impact

Hopetoun Primary School P&C president Karrina Smallman said the decision would be felt throughout the coastal town.

“I’m not sure on the numbers of students at this stage that will be affected, but I’m sure it will have some impact,” she said.

“It was certainly, you know, dramatic last time that the mine was closed down, it did impact the student numbers heavily.”

Ms Smallman, who is also manager of the local Community Resource Centre, said the tight-knit town would band together.

“It is a special place to live, regardless of the mining that goes on and the job losses,” she said.

First Quantum oversaw the previous closure in 2017, while former owner BHP shuttered the mine in 2009.

First Quantum’s move is the latest in a string of setbacks for Western Australia’s nickel miners, with projects in the Goldfields and Kimberley also winding back operations and cutting staff.