Mineral Resources delivers first ore from Onslow ahead of schedule

Mineral Resources’ (ASX: MIN) Onslow iron project in WA has delivered first ore ahead of schedule for delivery to China Baowu Steel Group.

Two transhippers, MinRes Coolibah and MinRes Airlie, are currently loading 113k wet metric tonnes of iron ore aboard a bulk carried anchored 40km off the Port of Ashburton.

This milestone was achieved just 11 months after ground was broken at the Ken’s Bore mine site which lies 150km east of Onslow.

MinRes designed, built and is managing the mining and transport infrastructure that is unlocking iron ore deposits in the West Pilbara that would otherwise remain undeveloped.

Mineral Resources managing director Chris Ellison commented on the milestone.

“The historic moment for MinRes cements our position as Australia’s leading commodity infrastructure business,” he said.

“We have unlocked a whole new iron ore region for Australia while Onslow iron is a game-changer for MinRes as we transition to low-cost, long-life operations.

“This project was stranded for more than a decade. In 2021, MinRes breathed new life into it and in less than three years we have planned, designed and have now delivered first ore on ship ahead of time and on budget.”

The Onslow iron project will ramp up to nameplate capacity of 35mtpa by June 2025 with practical completion of project infrastructure, including the dedicated haul road, is scheduled for the second half of 2024.

Up to 1600 operational roles are expected at the peak of the ramp up.