Built by BHP Billiton, it was closed in January 2009, after less than a year of operation due to a collapse in the price of nickel.

[4] BHP Billiton commenced a feasibility study in 2002 into opening a nickel and cobalt mine and processing plant at the cost of A$1.4 billion[5] 35 km (22 mi) east of the town of Ravensthorpe.

The plant known as the Ravensthorpe Nickel Project was commissioned in late 2007 with first production occurring in October and the first 5,000 tonnes being produced by December 2007.

[10] On 9 December 2009, BHP Billiton announced it had agreed terms to sell the mine to First Quantum Minerals for US$340 million.

[14] First Quantum Minerals spent eighteen months implementing extensive modifications to improve the ore processing at the front end of the plant, through the construction of two new crushers, new product storage ponds and a new dewatering facility.

[20] In April 2024, RNO announced they would be closing down operations and going into Care and Maintenance for the fourth time, cutting down a further estimated 330 jobs.

[26] Citing extended low nickel prices, First Quantum Minerals placed the plant in care and maintenance in October 2017, and most of the staff were made redundant.

[28] On 14 December 2014 a structural failure was caused by corrosion of an atmospheric leach tank's wall, with the subsequent spill contained in the plant's bunded, or protected, area.

[29] Nearly 2 Ml (2,000 m3) of acidic slurry exited the tank displacing several transformers and inundated electrical substations and steam turbine generators.