Name of the Project
Mardie salt and potash project.

Location
On the Pilbara coast of Western Australia.

Project Owner/s
Australian-based resources BCI Minerals.

Project Description
An optimisation study has delivered a bigger project and an improved layout, compared with the July 2020 definitive feasibility study (DFS). An expansion of the evaporation area has resulted in an increase of about 20% in salt production, from 4.4-million tonnes a year in the DFS to 5.35-million tonnes a year in the optimisation study, as well as an increase in sulphate of potash (SoP) production from 120 000 t/y to 140 000 t/y.

Using an inexhaustible seawater resource and a production process driven mainly by natural solar and wind energy, there is potential to optimise and expand the project beyond currently planned production levels.

The project’s operating life is estimated at a minimum of 60 years.

Potential Job Creation
During construction, 490 jobs are expected to be created, while 2 200 jobs are expected to be created during operations.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
The project’s estimated ungeared net present value has increased from A$1.19-billion, at a 7% discount rate, in the DFS to $1.67-billion in the optimisation study.

Capital Expenditure
Capital costs have increased from A$779-million in the DFS to A$805-million the optimisation study.

Planned Start/End Date
First salt sales are expected by the third quarter of 2024, and first SoP sales by the fourth quarter of 2025.

Latest Developments
A final investment decision is expected by mid-2021, with main construction expected to start by the fourth quarter of 2021.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
The DFS was managed by BCI, with support from GR Engineering Services (DFS lead engineer) and additional support from Worley, CMW Geosciences, Preston Consulting, RPS, Roskill, Argus Consulting, Braemar ACM Shipbroking and KPMG, besides others; Engenium (project management contractor).

Contact Details for Project Information
BCI Minerals, tel +61 8 6311 3400 or email info@bciminerals.com.au.