PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Iron-ore major Fortescue has loaded the first high-grade magnetite product from its newly built Iron Bridge operation, in the Pilbara, for shipment to customers in Vietnam.
The first shipment follows the start of production earlier this year.
“Iron Bridge is a game changer for Fortescue and builds on our track record of safely and successfully developing and operating iron-ore projects in the Pilbara,” said Fortescue CEO Fiona Hick.
“High grade magnetite product will play an important role in lowering emissions in the steel industry, and Fortescue is moving at pace to ensure we are at the forefront of developing green steel technologies.
“I congratulate the entire Fortescue team for delivering this project while maintaining strong safety performance. We remain focused now on achieving a safe and efficient ramp-up.”
The $3.9-billion Iron Bridge will produce 22-million tonnes a year of high-grade magnetite concentrate and signified Fortescue’s entry into the highest-grade segment of the iron-ore market, providing an enhanced product range while also increasing yearly production and shipping capacity.