Go-ahead for BHP Iron Ore's mining project

5/5/93

The State Government has given the green light to BHP Iron Ore's latest mining project, allowing forty-five jobs to continue in the Pilbara.

Resources Development Minister Colin Barnett today inspected BHP Iron Ore's Pilbara operations and approved the mining of two satellite ore bodies, numbers 23 and 25, near its Mount Whaleback mine at Newman.

Mr Barnett said the new satellite mines would allow 45 contractor jobs to continue. These workers are housed at Newman.

He said about 16 million tonnes of ore reserves existed between the two new ore bodies which would help prolong the life of the main Mount Whaleback ore body.

"These two new sites will provide medium-grade ore to blend with the premium Mount Whaleback ore body," Mr Barnett said.

"This is an important find for the region as the existence of Newman as a township hinges on the lifespan of the Mount Whaleback ore reserve.

"The satellite mines allows the State to sell more ore over a longer period, enabling the region to meet any future demands," he said.

The new ore bodies join three other satellite ore mines, including Jimblebar (McCamey's Monster), Brockman No. 2 Detritals and Marillana Creek, to begin operating in the Pilbara in recent years.

The Minister visited the Newman site and other BHP operations, as well as Cargill Salt and Woodside LNG plant, as a part of a two-day tour of Pilbara resource projects.

Media contact: Carolyn Vicars 222 9699