Nickel's Hidden Empire in Western Australian Mining Operations

The surprising reach of nickel applications beyond obvious uses

Introduction: The Overlooked Role of Nickel in Mining

In the world of mining, some materials dominate the spotlight, iron, gold, lithium. But behind the scenes, one metal keeps operations running quietly, reliably, and profitably, nickel.

From processing plants in the Goldfields to dewatering systems in the Pilbara, nickel is everywhere. It’s used in pipes, pumps, tanks, valves, and structural components, not just for strength, but for its heat resistance, corrosion control, and durability under pressure. Yet many operators don’t realise how much of it surrounds them, or how much nickel scrap value is being overlooked when equipment is decommissioned or replaced.

In this blog, we’ll uncover:

• How nickel and nickel alloys are used across WA mining operations
  
  
• Why nickel scrap recycling is one of the most profitable and underutilised streams in heavy industry
  
  
• How to identify nickel on-site and recover value from equipment you already own
  
  
• The environmental and financial benefits of partnering with specialist recyclers
  
  

If you’ve ever wondered where nickel hides in your facility, or how to recycle nickel scrap in WA, you’re in the right place.

The Widespread Applications of Nickel in Mining

Nickel isn’t just a battery metal or export commodity. In mining operations across Western Australia, it plays a critical behind-the-scenes role in infrastructure, process systems, and high-performance equipment. Its resistance to corrosion, heat, and chemical damage makes it essential in environments where failure isn’t an option.

Nickel in Processing Equipment (Pipes, Pumps, Tanks)

From ore slurry pipelines to high-temperature acid leach systems, nickel is widely used in:

• Pipework that handles corrosive or high-pressure materials
  
  
• Valves, flanges, and fittings that maintain chemical integrity
  
  
• Tanks and vessels in hydrometallurgy and flotation circuits
  
  
• Pump casings and impellers exposed to abrasive slurries
  
  

Many of these components are made from nickel alloys, or nickel-stainless blends, especially in gold and nickel processing plants operating in harsh WA conditions.

Structural Components and High-Wear Areas

Nickel-enhanced steels are also common in structural areas that demand durability and heat resistance, including:

• Crusher linings and chutes
  
  
• Kiln and smelter enclosures
  
  
• Supporting brackets and frameworks around heat zones
  
  

These materials often contain high nickel content that is still recyclable and valuable after use.

Nickel Alloys Used in Heat-Resistant and Corrosive Environments

Nickel alloys like Inconel, Monel, and Hastelloy are standard in WA mining for their ability to withstand:

• Extreme heat in processing circuits
  
  
• Acidic or caustic environments
  
  
• Mechanical fatigue in moving systems
  
  

These high-performance alloys may only be used in select applications, but they often carry premium scrap value, especially when separated and tested correctly.

Why Nickel Scrap Is Highly Valuable

Nickel may work quietly in the background of mining operations, but when it comes to scrap value, it commands attention. Whether it’s embedded in a pump casing, an old tank, or a retired heat exchanger, nickel-rich components can deliver strong returns, especially when identified and recycled correctly.

Current Nickel Scrap Recycling Trends and Pricing

Nickel scrap is in growing demand due to:

• Global stainless steel production (nickel is a key alloying element)
  
  
• Electric vehicle battery manufacturing
  
  
• Rising prices for critical minerals in Australia and overseas
  
  

Specialty alloys like Inconel or Monel can command even higher prices when tested and sorted properly. For WA mining operations, this presents a clear opportunity to recover value from existing equipment.

The Global Demand for Nickel and Stainless Steel Production

Over 65% of nickel demand globally comes from stainless steel manufacturing. The rest goes into alloys, batteries, and specialist industrial uses, all of which continue to grow.

This strong industrial demand keeps scrap prices relatively stable, even when base metal markets dip. It also means that nickel recovery plays a critical role in reducing reliance on primary mining and supporting global supply chains.

Why Even Small Batches of Nickel Scrap Add Up in Value

Unlike bulkier ferrous scrap, nickel scrap often exists in smaller, high-value parts, valve bodies, heat plates, tool components, and fittings. But these smaller pieces can quickly add up:

• A few hundred kilograms of mixed nickel components can generate thousands in scrap returns
  
  
• Proper sorting and testing ensures maximum price per kilo
  
  
• Even offcuts from maintenance projects or shutdowns have value
  
  

If you’ve been discarding nickel-heavy scrap or mixing it into general bins, there’s likely untapped profit on your site right now.

Identifying Nickel in Mining Facilities

Nickel hides in plain sight. It’s often found in equipment that looks like standard stainless steel or alloy but contains significantly more value when tested. Knowing how to spot and separate nickel-rich components is key to unlocking hidden scrap revenue across your site.

Signs of Nickel-Containing Alloys in Equipment

While you can’t always tell by eye, there are common indicators that a component may contain high nickel content:

• Location, components in corrosive, high-temperature, or high-pressure areas are more likely to be made from nickel alloys
  
  
• Weight and density, nickel alloys tend to be heavier than standard stainless
  
  
• Lack of surface rust, consistent resistance to corrosion, even after long exposure, is often a nickel alloy trait
  
  
• Legacy equipment, older systems, especially in gold or base metal processing, often used nickel alloys where durability was critical
  
  

How to Test and Verify Nickel Content (XRF Analysis)

The most accurate way to identify nickel is with X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis. This handheld, non-destructive test can:

• Identify nickel content percentages in seconds
  
  
• Distinguish between 304, 316, Inconel, Monel, and other alloys
  
  
• Eliminate guesswork and misidentification
  
  
• Help recyclers grade and price your scrap correctly
  
  

At DBR, XRF testing is standard for all nickel recycling projects, so your team doesn’t need to guess or sort blindly.

Common Mistakes That Cause Nickel Scrap to Be Overlooked

Unfortunately, many valuable nickel components are lost due to:

• Mixing with general steel bins
  
  
• Assuming all stainless steel is the same
  
  
• Failing to test during equipment removal
  
  
• Lack of training or awareness among site crews
  
  

By introducing basic identification steps and calling in expert support, you can stop letting nickel scrap go to waste, and start recovering the full value it offers.

Nickel Recycling in WA Mining Operations

Across Western Australia’s mining sector, nickel is both a key resource and a quietly accumulating form of scrap. As equipment is decommissioned, upgraded, or maintained, large volumes of nickel-containing components are removed, often without a plan for recovery. But with the right systems in place, that scrap becomes a valuable revenue stream.

How WA Mining Companies Handle Nickel Recycling Logistics

For most operations, nickel recycling starts with identifying scrap during:

• Shutdowns and turnarounds
  
  
• Decommissioning of old plant infrastructure
  
  
• Regular maintenance of pumps, tanks, and pipework
  
  

Once identified, scrap should be:

• Sorted by material type (especially separating stainless from high-nickel alloys)
  
  
• Tested on-site or at a depot using XRF analysis
  
  
• Stored securely in labelled bins or containers to avoid contamination
  
  

DBR supports mining clients by coordinating these steps, offering on-site pickups, testing, and custom scrap tracking reports.

Partnering with Nickel Scrap Recycling Specialists

Not all metal recyclers can handle nickel properly. WA miners benefit most from working with scrap partners who:

• Understand mining equipment composition
  
  
• Provide XRF testing for accurate grading
  
  
• Offer transparent, competitive pricing
  
  
• Support remote logistics and reporting needs
  
  

DBR works directly with site teams to make nickel recovery simple, reliable, and profitable, even in remote or FIFO operations.

Case Examples of Nickel Recovery from Decommissioned Equipment

In one recent shutdown, a WA-based processing plant recovered over 1.2 tonnes of high-nickel scrap from decommissioned piping and tank linings. What would have gone to general scrap instead generated:

• Over $18,000 in recovered value
  
  
• A 27% reduction in disposal costs
  
  
• ESG credit through documented material diversion from landfill
  
  

This is just one example of how strategic scrap recovery turns maintenance waste into operational returns.