GR Engineering Services Ltd is set to carry out an upgrade of the existing nickel concentrator at the Cosmos Nickel Operations, owned by Western Areas Ltd, after signing an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract with one of the miner’s subsidiaries.

The project is 30 km north of Leinster in Western Australia.

Western Areas says it has plans to refurbish and expand the concentrator to achieve 900,000 t/y throughput. In its most recent quarterly report, it said long lead items for the project had been identified with ordering taking place in the December quarter. Most of the plant refurbishment and upgrade is due to commence in the March quarter of 2022.

The contract sum is A$48 million ($36 million) and GR Engineering has commenced work immediately, the contractor said.

Geoff Jones, Managing Director, said: “GR Engineering has a long history of working with the Western Areas management team and have a strong track record of delivering projects for Western Areas on time and on budget. GR Engineering is excited to work with Western Areas on another important project and we are looking forward to delivering safe and successful outcomes for the project.”