XTA Xstrata

   By Stephen Bell 
 

SYDNEY--Xstrata PLC (XTA.LN) said it plans to close its Sinclair nickel mine in Western Australia state this month, in the latest move by a major mining company to cut costs amid soft metals prices.

Sinclair is reaching the end of its expected life and mining will finish May 15, Xstrata said in a statement. Stockpiled ore will continue to be processed into the third quarter of the year.

It follows Xstrata's move to shutter its nearby Cosmos mine in September due to a prolonged period of low nickel prices and the high Australian dollar.

The latest closure comes as Xstrata and Glencore International AG (GLEN.LN) finalize their merger, which is due to come into effect Thursday.

-Write to Stephen Bell at djnews@dowjones.com

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