Operations begin at BCI’s Mardie project

Operations have begun at BCI Minerals’ (ASX: BCI) Mardie salt and potash project in WA after all necessary approvals were received from the WA and Federal Governments.

Evaporation ponds one, two and three are beginning to be filled as BCI works to bring Australia’s largest solar salt project online.

Once fully operational, the project is expected to produce 5.3mtpa of industrial salt each year.

When the initial three ponds are filled, BCI Minerals will update and resubmit its groundwater monitoring and management plan (GMMP) for further approval before evaporation ponds four through nine are filled.

Construction of the salt-first component of Mardie is over halfway complete with more than $700m invested to date.

While construction began in 2022, these latest approvals enable BCI to move forward with construction in the northern area of the project.

BCI chairman Brian O’Donnell says this is a pivotal moment for the company as it moves into production.

“BCI Minerals has worked closely with all State and Federal Government regulators and appreciates their support of the years to enable us to reach this point,” he said.

“The financial support from the Northern Australia Infrastructure Fund and Export Finance Australia is a critical part of our funding package and we look forward to continuing to work closely with the Government to deliver a great, sustainable and responsible project for Australia.”

With an operating life of 60 years, Mardie is expected to contribute $4.8b in gross domestic product and create 650 jobs during construction and 140 permanent full-time jobs during operations.

BCI will use the newly constructed 2.4km export jetty to meet the rapidly growing salt demand in Asian markets with first export targeted for Q2 FY27.

BCI managing director David Boshoff says Mardie is on track to becoming a major player in the global salt market.

“Australia hasn’t developed a salt project of this significance in 25 years and the Mardie project will be Australia’s largest solar salt project and the third largest globally,” he said.

“With the projected growth in demand for high grade industrial salt in our target Asian markets, BCI Minerals is strongly positioned to supply global markets with Mardie salt for generations.”

WA Premier Roger Cook commented on the milestone.

“This is a fantastic milestone for the Mardie project, with approval now given through both the State and Federal Governments for operations to commence,” he said.

“Once the Mardie project becomes fully operational, WA will be well placed to become a major player on the global stage with one of the world’s largest solar salt projects.”