PERTH (miningweekly.com) – First ore from iron major Fortescue Metals’ Iron Bridge magnetite project, in the Pilbara, has been fed into its processing plant, with first production anticipated in the March quarter of next year.

The $3-billion project will deliver 22-million tonnes a year of high grade 67% iron magnetite concentrate. This product enables Fortescue to enter the high iron-ore grade market segment providing an enhanced product range while also increasing yearly production and shipping capacity.

Since the investment decision in April 2019, more than 12.8-million workhours have culminated in the design and construction of the mine, pipelines, village and infrastructure at Iron Bridge, supporting more than 3 000 jobs with another 900 full time jobs to be created when the project moves into operations. There are currently 3 470 people working across the ore processing facility (OPF) and pipelines scope of work.

“At Fortescue, we take pride in the fact that we consistently deliver what we say we will, and Iron Bridge is no different. Building on our track record of safely and successfully developing and operating iron-ore projects in the Pilbara, Iron Bridge will lead the way for magnetite operations in Western Australia,” said Fortescue executive chairperson Dr Andrew Forrest.

“This project demonstrates Fortescue’s commitment to our strategic pillars of investing in the long-term sustainability of our iron-ore business, investing in growth, maintaining balance sheet strength, as well as delivering strong returns to our shareholders.

“As we transition to a global green energy, technology and resources company, Iron Bridge is an obvious choice to be considered as one of our first decarbonised, fossil fuel free sites, as we deliver on our target to achieve real zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030.”  

Fortescue COO of iron-ore Dino Otranto said that the Iron Bridge high grade magnetite product is a significant differentiator for Fortescue.

“This is a project that has been delivered during a challenging environment, and despite a global pandemic, rising inflationary pressures and a tight labour market, the Fortescue values have risen to the forefront and demonstrated our ability to continue delivering this ground-breaking project,” he added.

The mine could become one of Fortescue’s first fossil fuel free sites, enabled by the recently announced $6.2-billion decarbonisation investment to reach real zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030.

Low-cost power will be delivered to Iron Bridge through Fortescue’s investment in the Pilbara Energy Connect project which includes energy transmission line infrastructure, solar gas hybrid generation and an associated battery storage solution.