CME chief executive Reg Howard-Smith said the CME was also working with FQM to create a central contact point for resources companies with suitable vacancies to facilitate the redeployment of these workers within the sector.

FQM has also offered redundancy packages and outplacement assistance to the workers affected.

Howard-Smith said WA Premier Mark McGowan and Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston supported the move to safeguard the workers and guard against any loss of skills.

He said the CME was pleased with the recent invitation to the Ravensthorpe workers issued by China’s Tianyuan Manganese to apply for new positions on its soon to be reopened Woodie Woodie manganese mine in the state’s Pilbara, and hoped similar offers were made by other companies.