PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has recommended the approval of iron-ore miner Fortescue Metals’ plans to extend the Solomon iron-ore project, in the Pilbara, for a further 35 years.
The proposed extension includes new mining areas in the Castle Valley and Fredericks deposits, as well as mining infrastructure, including processing plants, bore fields and the operation of the existing Hamersley rail line.
The extended mine life will require 12 146 ha of additional land.
The Solomon operation currently consists of two mines, the Firetail and Kings mines, and has a yearly production capacity of more than 70-million tonnes.
EPA chairperson Tom Hatton said this week that the environmental body had recommended that 19 conditions be abided by for its approval to extend the mine life of the Solomon project, including measures to manage significant flora and vegetation species, terrestrial fauna and groundwater drawdown for water supply purposes, as well as prevent the contamination of ground and surface water.
Other conditions address offset, rehabilitation and decommissioning of the mine.
The EPA’s report to the Minister of Environment will be open for a two-week public appeal period, closing December 7.