BHP Billiton, is laying off over 6,000 employes worldwide. The Ravensthorpe Nickel Operation in Australia, which was ordered to "immediately commence the safe ramp down and indefinite suspension" today, Jan. 21st. Also, 200 positions at the Olympic Dam copper and uranium mine in Australia have been eliminated, a further 1,100 at Australian collieries are being let go, about 2,000 workers across South America will be released, & Pinto Valley is cutting 550 employees.
BHP will take a one time write off of $1.6-billion and is reducing activity from the Mount Keith nickel mine in Australia as prices continue to dwindle.