• Mine to take BHP Billiton’s iron ore capacity to more than 220mtpa 

Premier and State Development Minister Colin Barnett today officially opened the BHP Billiton Jimblebar mine and processing hub east of Newman in the Pilbara.

Mr Barnett congratulated BHP Billiton on its commitment to Western Australia. He also thanked its partners ITOCHU Corporation and Mitsui for their continued investment in the State.

“This project demonstrates BHP Billiton’s ongoing confidence in the strength of WA’s iron ore industry,” the Premier said.

“This $US3.6billion project achieved first production six months ahead of schedule and will deliver an additional 35 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of iron ore, with the capacity to expand to 55mtpa in the future.”

Mr Barnett said as part of BHP Billiton’s agreement with the Nyiyaparli people, the traditional owners of the land on which Jimblebar was located, the company would also provide training, employment and contracting opportunities for Aboriginal people.

“The construction workforce for this project peaked at almost 2,500 people and ongoing operations will generate another 1,000 jobs,” he said.

WA exported 513 million tonnes of iron ore in 2012-13, up 12 per cent on the previous year. The $56.4billion industry delivered about $3.65billion in royalties.

The Premier said the State Government had worked closely with BHP Billiton to support the mine development and ensure all necessary approvals were in place.

      Fact File

• BHP Billiton has invested about $US25billion in WA’s iron ore industry since 2002
• The total capital cost of the Jimblebar project, including joint venture contributions, is $US3.6billion
• BHP Billiton has been mining near Jimblebar since the 1990s but the construction of a new processing hub will free up capacity at Newman and allow nearby deposits to be mined
• All necessary approvals under the Iron Ore (McCamey’s Monster) Agreement Authorisation Act 1972 and the Iron Ore (Mount Newman) Agreement Act 1964 have been obtained
• Jimblebar operations include:
• a new fleet of earthmoving equipment
• duplication of the rail line from the main line to the Jimblebar hub
• new stockyard with four million tonne capacity
• new primary crusher
• new ore handling plant
• additional infrastructure including mobile equipment and fixed plant workshops, fuel storage and distribution facilities, water and waste treatment plants, administration buildings and a state-of-the-art accommodation village

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