Billion dollar expansion project to bring more jobs to WA

20/10/05
State Development Minister Alan Carpenter has welcomed BHP Billiton's decision to expand its iron ore operations in Western Australia, saying it had capped off an extraordinary week in WA's iron ore industry.
Mr Carpenter was referring to BHP Billiton's announcement today that it had approved the Rapid Growth Project 3, which had the potential to create more than 900 construction jobs and more than 150 permanent jobs.
The project includes an allocation by BHP Billiton of US$1.3billion in capital expenditure to increase capacity at its Area C iron ore mine in the Pilbara by 20million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) to 42Mtpa.
Initial production is forecast to commence in the last quarter of 2007.
"This is another vote of confidence in WA," the Minister said.
"We have a booming economy that is well-managed, creating jobs and shaping the State as a reliable and profitable place to invest in."
Mr Carpenter said WA was a significant world producer of iron ore.
"WA accounts for 17 per cent of the world's iron ore production and 37 per cent seaborne trade, level pegging with Brazil in world trade," he said.
"Expansions of this scale will ensure WA remains highly competitive with Brazil and continues to be a major player in the global iron ore industry.
"It is all great news for WA."
Minister's office: 9222 9699