About QN
Overview
Queensland Nickel operates the Yabulu Refinery which is located 25 kilometres north-west of Townsville, in Queensland, Australia. The Refinery is a leader in the production and marketing of high quality nickel and cobalt. The Refinery processes nickel and cobalt-bearing laterite ores purchased from third party mines in New Caledonia, Indonesia and the Philippines. Nickel ore is dried, ground, roasted and leached in an ammonia solution to extract the nickel and cobalt in the processing plant. Nickel and cobalt are separated and further refined in the metal refining area, to produce products for sale in the global market.
The Refinery is a strong contributor to the local community, employing approximately 1000 people from Townsville and providing sponsorships to a range of schools, clubs and sporting associations. Queensland Nickel has most recently become the major sponsor of the North Queensland Fury FC, North Queensland’s first Hyundai A-League football side.
The Refinery is currently embarking on a new era of ownership after recently being sold to companies wholly owned by Professor Clive Palmer in July 2009.