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How Does Nickel Affect Australian Economy

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Nickel is a prime advocate in Australia’s economy with it being one of the worlds largest producers, supplying around 13% of world production. Due to nickel’s distinctive properties, it creates primary alloys (almost 80% of nickel) that are tough, rust resistant, can withstand very high and low temperatures, and can be manipulated into any shape through its malleability/ ductility. Furthermore, nickel has countless other electrical, magnetic and heat resistant properties that are shown to be beneficial within the formation of these alloys. For example, almost 60% of nickel is used in the production of stainless, which is a combination of metals added to iron. Such metal alloys then go on to be used in construction, manufacturing of technology, electroplating, and even in batteries due to its electrical properties. Nickel is also a crucial nutrient in several chemical process’ inside the body, including iron absorption, averting blood conditions such as anaemia, and treating feeble bones. Since 2005, the demand for nickel diminished mainly due to the fall in the demand of stainless steel. This caused a great loss of jobs and revenue within the mining sector for Australia. As such BHP billiton, a …show more content…

These include improving the extraction processing to lower exposure for workers and consumers, and also a main emphasis on the defence of the eco system. Nickel in small doses is essential for health. However, over exposure can be dangerous to human health with it showing a large correlation to the development of certain cancers, sickness, lung embolism, respiratory failure and other disorders. Legislations on packaging of products are also in effect allowing the consumer to be informed of the possible health effects. A limit on emission levels for various products have also been introduced, regulating the exposure to protect the

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