IGO, an ASX-listed diversified mining and exploration company, agreed to acquire Western Areas, a nickel-focused, base metal miner, for $701m. "IGO’s acquisition of WSA is a logical consolidation within the Western Australian nickel landscape and further positions us on our journey to become a globally relevant supplier of metals critical for enabling a clean energy future. Both Forrestania and Cosmos are high-grade, low-cost nickel sulphide operations and this acquisition, together with our existing world class Nova nickel-copper-cobalt operation, will consolidate our position as Australia’s leading independent nickel producer. The unique synergies that will be unlocked across a combined Western Australian nickel hub, combined with the potential downstream optionality that this transaction brings, is expected to generate substantial value for IGO shareholders over the long term," Peter Bradford, IGO Managing Director and CEO.