$3 billion Pilbara mine and power station expansion approved Thursday, 07 February 2013

The Western Australian state government has approved proposals by Rio Tinto Iron Ore to expand its iron ore operations in the Pilbara, expand the Cape Lambert port, and build a new power station in the area for a combined $3 billion investment.

The $2 billion Nammuldi mine improvements includes construction of two new pits, processing and storage facilities, rail, water and power infrastructure and additional accommodation.

The Cape Lambert port infrastructure upgrade will increase its ore capacity from 86Mt/a to 235Mt/a by 2015, with the new 130MW gas power station to meet the port’s rising power needs.  A workshop/administration complex, water treatment plant and related gas and electricity infrastructure will also be constructed.

The port and station project will cost $1.1 billion, including a $189 million contract for two extra berths at the port’s Wharf B expansion which was awarded to John Holland.

Premier and state development minister Colin Barnett said: “The Nammuldi mine, 60km northwest of Tom Price, includes a major investment in mine infrastructure which will see iron ore mined below the water table and increase the mine’s production limit from 8Mt/a to 23Mt/a.”

The new Cape Lambert power station is expected to be operational by 2014, with production of ore from below the water table at Nammuldi expected to begin in the third quarter of 2014.

Environmental approval has already been granted. 

More information.

This news item has been posted by Engineers Media, a wholly owned subsidiary of Engineers Australia.