BHP set to cut jobs at WA nickel mine BHP Billiton has lost patience with a West Australian nickel mine that has endured multiple safety problems over the past three years, in a move that will likely see jobs lost. BHP said it would try to redeploy workers where possible. The closure was not a difficult one from an economic point of view, with nickel being one of the laggard divisions within BHP's diversified portfolio for several years now. Both chief executive Andrew Mackenzie and his predecessor Marius Kloppers had been warning that divisions would have to earn their place within the business, and if they were not performing, would be at risk of divestment or closure. Aluminium and manganese are also considered to be struggling divisions within BHP.