BHP needs Mincor to supply ore with particular qualities, including a defined ratio of nickel to arsenic. Mincor can only achieve many of those quality standards by blending the ore it extracts from two separate mining hubs, meaning BHP has a strong incentive to ensure Mincor retains ownership of its multiple mines.
Mincor and BHP declined to comment when asked about the clause and whether it gave BHP special rights under a scenario where a suitor such as Wyloo takes control of the nickel producer. Mincor has previously said its agreement with BHP will expire no later than the end of 2025