Official opening of Yandi mine expansion at Marillana Creek

30/10/96

Resources Development Minister Colin Barnett has officially opened BHP Iron Ore's newest mine, the $47 million Yandi expansion at Marillana Creek, 120 kilometres north-west of Newman.

Mr Barnett said that initial output for the new mine was set at 10 million tonnes per year and, when combined with ore production from the original Yandi mine, would collectively produce 25 million tonnes per annum.

"The mine expansion includes a crushing and screening plant, a new train loading facility and a 10km rail spur connecting into the main Yandi railway line," he said.

"I am particularly pleased that the local content of the new facilities was more than 80 per cent, which is in keeping with the State Government's policy of increasing the amount of work for local businesses on resource projects in Western Australia."

Mr Barnett said the expansion project employed 350 people during its construction phase and when the two mines reached production of 25 million tonnes per annum, the number of people employed would rise to 150, an extra 30 due to the expansion.

"The new mine helps to cement BHP Iron Ore's position as one of the world's major iron ore producers," he said.

"For the State, the $47 million project means more export income and work for Western Australians and in turn will secure our position as the world's leading exporter of iron ore."

In 1995-96, BHP Iron Ore's mines produced 57 million tonnes of ore out of WA's total export shipments of 132.9 million tonnes. Yandi ore is of sinter grade with low alumina content, making it suitable for blast furnace feed for customers using conventional blast furnaces. It currently enjoys strong acceptance from BHP's customers, most notably those in Japan, China, Korea and Taiwan.

The Yandi mine is a joint venture between BHP Minerals (85 per cent), Mitsui Iron Ore Corporation (seven per cent) and CI Minerals Australia (eight per cent).

Media contact: Justine Whittome (09) 222 9699