First ore at Eliwana expected this week

1st December 2020 By: Esmarie Iannucci - Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor: Australasia

PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Iron-ore miner Fortescue Metals is on track to deliver first ore into its Eliwana plant later this week, while first ore on train is scheduled for later this month.

Fortescue COO Greg Lilleyman told the Global Iron and Steel Forecast that the Eliwana railway line was progressing well, with the project expected to meet production targets.

The $1.25-billion Eliwana mine and rail project consists of a new 30-million-tonne-a-year dry ore processing facility and infrastructure and a 143-km rail line. The development uses the latest technology, autonomous trucks and design efficiency, which Lilleyman said would help Fortescue to maintain its current cost levels.

Lilleyman said on Tuesday that ramp-up of the Eliwana operation is expected to take several months.

Meanwhile, construction of the 22-million-tonne-a-year Iron Bridge magnetite mine is expected to reach a peak next year, with first ore on ship planned for mid-2022.

The $2.6-billion project will produce a high-grade magnetite concentrate, which Lilleyman said would give Fortescue the flexibility of either selling the Iron Bridge ore as a standalone product, or blending with existing Fortescue products.