Plans approved for new BHP iron ore (Yarrie) mine East of Port Hedland

6/3/95

Resources Development Minister Colin Barnett has approved plans by BHP Iron Ore to develop a new mine as part of its Yarrie operations, about 200km east of Port Hedland.

The new Yarrie Y10, or Kennedy Gap deposit, will be mined at a rate of 1.5 to 2 million tonnes of iron ore a year for about five years.

The Yarrie workforce of 175 is expected to be increased by another 10 jobs to handle the work involved in the new mining operation.

Mr Barnett welcomed the development of the new mine which would further extend the Yarrie operations and would produce a lump and fine ore concentrate for blending with other types of iron ore for export to such countries as Japan, Korea and China.

The Minister said the project had received environmental approval and the rehabilitation of the area would be carried our progressively in mined areas during the life of the operation.

BHP Iron Ore (Goldsworthy) Pty Limited manages the Yarrie operations on behalf of the Mount Goldsworthy Mining Associated Joint Venture, consisting of BHP (85 per cent), CI Minerals Australia (eight per cent) and Mitsui Iron Ore Corporation (seven per cent).

Media contact: Carolyn Vicars 222 9699