Pilbara iron-ore project, Australia

28th July 2023 By: Sheila Barradas - Creamer Media Research Coordinator & Senior Deputy Editor

Pilbara iron-ore project, Australia

Name of the Project
Pilbara iron-ore project (PIOP).

Location
Western Australia’s iron-ore-rich Pilbara region.

Project Owner/s
Flinders Mines.

Project Description
Flinders Mines launched a scoping study in May 2023 to determine the potential development of the PIOP resources to produce a +60% iron direct shipping ore product at a sus­tainable rate of up to three-million tonnes a year.

The scoping study will provide a base case scenario for the development of the PIOP, and will focus on low-strip ratios and mining above the water table within the project’s Delta and Paragon deposits.

The project proposes using public access and third-party transport and export infrastructure, where possible, to reduce upfront capital requirements.

Further, the study will investigate options to reduce the PIOP’s carbon footprint through renewable energy and other initiatives.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
Not stated.

Capital Expenditure
Not stated.

Planned Start/End Date
The results of the scoping study are expected to be released in the third quarter of 2023.

First ore to the market is expected in 2025, subject to regulatory and third-party approvals, and financing.

Latest Developments
Early engagement is under way with the Pilbara Ports Authority, including a recent tour of the Utah Point Bulk Handling Facility, in Port Hedland, which has a licence to export 24-million tonnes a year of bulk material, predominantly iron-ore.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
Scoping study: CSA Global (geology and resources); Orelogy Mine Consulting (mine planning); Neomet Engineering (metallurgy); Ausenco (mine infrastructure and nonprocessing infrastructure); Jacobs (mine access road design); Advisian (groundwater); and MLG Oz & Paston Solutions (transport and logistics).

Contact Details for Project Information
Flinders Mines, tel e +61 8 9389 4483 or email info@flindersmines.com.