Tag: South Flank

South Flank ore plant on track

South Flank ore plant on track

GLOBAL engineering firm Fluor has announced the erection of 1500 tons (US) of modules in the BHP South Flank ore handling plant in WA. This plant will be the world’s biggest iron ore processing plant once operational. BHP announced the project at 50pc completion in October 2019 with the first ore targeted for 2021. The operation has an expected life span of 25 years. Fluor Mining and Metals president Tony Morgan said he was proud of what had been accomplished by the BHP and Fluor integrated team approach. The project committed to employing indigenous and local workers which has had a positive effect on the completion. More than 9000 people are estimated to be engaged in the South Flank project...

Iluka considers demerger

Iluka considers demerger

WITH the development of BHP’s South Flank well underway, Iluka Resources is considering a demerger of the royalty it pockets from BHP’s Mining Area C (MAC). The development of South Flank means the capacity of the expanded MAC hub will sit at around 145 wmtpa from 2023 onwards and would equate to an increase in annual iron ore production (within the MAC royalty area) from around 55 million dmtpa to 135 million dmtpa. With this increase in production (and cash flow), it’s a no-brainer for Iluka to seriously consider a structural separation of MAC by way of demerger. Iluka managing director Tom O’Leary said that the MAC area is a high grade, low cost iron ore asset with a tier...

Pilbara-based Mining Services: Joining forces

Pilbara-based Mining Services: Joining forces

Image: Pilgangoora Minerals BY AMY BLOM AS mining takes off again in WA's Pilbara region, communities are bracing for another boom and working to ensure locally-based service providers have a share in the sector. With three new major iron ore mines on the cards and the increasing prominence of lithium, gold and copper in the area, the Pilbara could be set for another mining boom. But in the hopes of mitigating the highs and lows of the past, community leaders are encouraging a greater focus on awarding contracts to local service providers within existing hubs and a strategy of diversification. Most of the services necessary for new developments were already in place in the Pilbara, thanks to...

South Flank: Ore-Some Start

South Flank: Ore-Some Start

BHP conducted the first blast at its South Flank project in September. Image: BHP. BY AMY BLOM MINING giant BHP is on time and on budget to deliver its multibillion dollar South Flank project, having taken off with a flying start in July. South Flank has made a rapid start in its first three months of construction, according to project director Simon Thomas. Speaking at a WA Mining Club lunch in Perth on 25 October, Mr Thomas said BHP already had more than 600 people working on the project, with local contractors such as NRW, Clough, CPB and Decmil mobilised to site. He said September quarter highlights included an expansion of the Mulla Mulla village facilities...

BHP: Rebuilding trust

BHP: Rebuilding trust

All images BHP. BY ELIZABETH FABRI THE 2017 financial year was a game changer for BHP and its iron ore division. On top of a corporate rebrand and record production at West Australian Iron Ore (WAIO), plans for BHP’s proposed South Flank project were advancing, with initial funding locked in for early construction. BHP recently dumped the ‘Billiton’ name in a rebrand aimed at highlighting the company’s Australian roots and rebuilding a dialogue with its stakeholders. Iron ore has been a key pillar of BHP’s operations for more than 67 years, with WA Iron Ore (WAIO) one of the company’s largest and most successful assets. “You’re only as good as your last game. Notwithstanding this prosperous...