Clive Palmer is pressing on with plans to reopen his troubled Townsville nickel refinery and says he's on the look-out for workers.

Queensland Nickel Sales is seeking expressions of interest for future job vacancies, with Mr Palmer announcing he is "taking steps" to reopen the Yabulu operation.

Clive Palmer says 40 people are working at the Queensland Nickel refinery. Credit:Glenn Hunt

"We have more than 40 people working at the refinery who are ascertaining the steps required to open the plant and additional work is being carried out to set a detailed reopening schedule," Mr Palmer said in a statement on Monday.

General manager Ian Ferguson said those interested in future employment opportunities could fill out an application form from the company's website.