Name of the Project
South Flank iron-ore sustaining mine project.
Location
Central Pilbara, Western Australia.
Client
BHP.
Project Description
The project will leverage and expand the existing Mining Area C hub, which is BHP’s preferred option to replace production from the 80-million-tonne-a-year (100% basis) Yandi mine when it reaches the end of its economic life in the early to mid-2020s.
South Flank will be a higher-grade (62%), lower-phosphorus operation than Yandi (58%) and use BHP’s infrastructure at Mining Area C.
Jobs to Be Created
Full development of South Flank will create several thousand jobs during construction.
Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
Not stated.
Value
The project is expected to cost between $2.4-billion and $3.2-billion.
Duration
The project is expected to be submitted for board approval in the mid-2018 calendar year, with first ore targeted in the 2021 calendar year and ramp-up timed to coincide with the ramp-down of Yandi.
Latest Developments
BHP has approved $184-millionfor its share of the initial funding for the South Flank project.
The initial funding will be used primarily for the expansion of accommodation facilities to support current and future workforce requirements.
Key Contracts and Suppliers
None stated.
On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.
Contact Details for Project Information
BHP (Australia), tel +61 3 9415 4020.