Haul road milestone drives Onslow Iron progress

Mineral Resources (MinRes) (ASX: MIN) has marked another significant milestone at Onslow Iron project in WA, with completion achieved on the project’s dedicated private haul road.

Designed and developed in-house by MinRes’ engineering and construction team, the 150km sealed haul road underpins the innovative pit-to-ship supply chain setting Onslow Iron apart from other iron ore operations.

In May 2024, the project delivered first ore on ship ahead of schedule and is now ramping-up production to 35mtpa.

Having reached completion of the 150km sealed and fenced haul road, increased transport operations from the Ken’s Bore mine through to the Port of Ashburton will support ongoing production ramp-up to nameplate capacity.

Ore is transported from mine site to port via MinRes’ custom-design 330t road trains operating on private roads and travelling through tunnels at North West Coastal Highway and Onslow Road, avoiding interaction with public vehicles.

The haul road has been specially-designed to support the planned conversion of MinRes road trains to autonomous operation via a series of roadside monitoring bases positioned alongside the roadway.

MinRes engineering and construction chief executive Darren Killeen says completion of the haul road marks another significant achievement for the project.

“The haul road plays a critical role in the Onslow Iron operation, linking our mine site to the port, so we were pleased to safely deliver another quality asset to the project,” he said.

“Our teams have done a tremendous job in delivering this world-class transport infrastructure, which highlights the design, engineering and construction capability within our business.”

MinRes Onslow executive general manager Mike Tonkin says the haul road plays a critical role in supporting the projects unique pit-to-ship supply chain.

“The Onslow Iron haul road is an impressive piece of infrastructure and the key to unlocking stranded iron ore deposits in the West Pilbara,” he said.

“A lot of foresight, planning and hard work has helped us complete this project and I congratulate everyone across the MinRes business who’s helped us reach this milestone.”