MinRes milestone at Onslow Iron

Mineral Resources (MinRes) (ASX: MIN) has completed the final crushing plant construction and truck load out circuit operational at Ken’s Bore at Onslow Iron in the West Pilbara region, WA.

The project now boasts three NextGen modular crushing plants, designed and developed in-house.

Operated by CSI Mining Services, a fully owned subsidiary of MinRes, the modular crushers consume less energy and deliver significantly lower dust and noise emissions.

Each crushing plant has a capacity of 12.5mtpa and will support the project’s ramp up to nameplate capacity of 35mtpa.

The truck load out circuit will help optimise the haulage operation. This is underpinned by MinRes’ dedicated, private haul road running from Ken’s Bore to the Port of Ashburton.

Delivering a more efficient way of loading MinRes’ custom-designed road trains, the circuit features a bucket-wheel reclaimer loading ore onto a conveyor belt feeding product into trailers from above.

According to MinRes, Onslow Iron is one of the most innovative iron ore projects in Australia, harnessing innovation and technology to unlock stranded deposits.

In May 2024, the project delivered first ore on ship ahead of schedule and has steadily been increasing volumes since.

MinRes executive general manager Mike Tonkin says the two latest pieces of plant would bolster the project’s ongoing ramp up.

“Commissioning the third crushing plant allows us to significantly increase our crushing capacity and add to our stockpiles at Ken’s Bore,” he said.

“Similarly, the truck load out facility provides greater efficiencies to our haulage operation, allowing us to reduce loading times and increase the number of trucks transporting ore to the Port of Ashburton for export.

“Both pieces of infrastructure demonstrate the in-house capability within the MinRes business; I congratulate everyone involved in the safe delivery of our crushers and truck load out facility.”