Name of the Project
Marillana iron-ore project.

Location
Pilbara, Australia.

Client
Brockman Mining (BCK).

Project Description
Marillana is the largest single deposit outside the control of the major iron-ore producers in the Pilbara. The project contains mineral resources of 1.51-billion tonnes, of which more than one-billion tonnes comprises Joint Ore Reserves Committee-compliant ore reserves. The resource will support a minimum 20-year mine life.

BCK and MRL plan to build a 20-million- to 30-million-tonne-a-year iron-ore mine, underpinned by MRL’s Pilbara infrastructure project comprising automated and integrated light rail, stockyard and berth facilities.

The project will produce a beneficiated grade of 60.5% to 61.5% iron.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
Not stated.

Value
Not stated.

Duration
Not stated.

Latest Developments
A joint venture (JV) over the Marillana iron-ore project between Mineral Resources and BCK has started, after the parties executed a mine-to-ship logistics agreement for the transport of the Marillana ore to Port Hedland.

MRL has said that the Marillana ore will be transported through a light rail system from the mine to the port.

The mine-to-ship logistics agreement will result in MRL constructing, commissioning and operating the rail, rolling stock and port infrastructure required to transport up to 30-million tonnes a year of iron-ore from the mine site to Port Hedland, and to load it onto vessels for export over the life of the Marillana project.

The agreement remains subject to a number of conditions precedent, including MRL executing a State Agreement with the Western Australian government, procuring all the leases and licences for the light rail system and port infrastructure, obtaining project finance to fund the construction and commissioning of the rail and port infrastructure, and the MRL board making a final investment decision to proceed.

To acquire a 50% interest in the Marillana project, MRL will spend A$250 000 on exploration and development activities over the next six months, complete the process design criteria for the processing plant, optimise the mine plan study and finalise the mine development layout plan.

On the satisfaction of these farm-in obligations, the two companies will form a JV to develop the Marillana project.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
None stated.

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
Brockman Mining, tel +61 8 9389 3000 or email Inquiry@brockmanmining.com.
MRL, tel +61 8 9329 3600 or email reception@mineralresources.com.au.