Tag: mining in the Pilbara

THE three major mining developments in the Pilbara – BHP’s South Flank, FMG’s Eliwana and Rio Tinto’s Koodaideri – are set to replace the aging Yandicoogina operation, with the expansions and developments scheduled to be completed over the next three years. According to Pilbara Development Commission (PDC) chief executive officer Terry Hill, this is an example of the Pilbara continuing to grow and diversify in the mining and resources sector. “The three major mine projects are replacement mines designed to maintain current production levels. We understand that the total construction workforce for these mines will create more than 6,000 jobs,” Mr Hill said. “This will result in increased demand for mining service providers in the construction period and stability in…

Rio Tinto’s Silvergrass iron ore operation. Image: Rio Tinto. BY CAMERON DRUMMOND IT’S been tough – but things are looking up for the Pilbara mining region, as iron ore continues to rip higher on steady Chinese demand and exciting opportunities in lithium and gold come into play. Known as the engine room of Australia, the WA Pilbara is the largest iron ore producing region in the world, accounting for almost 37 per cent of global production and 52 per cent of seaborne exports in 2015. Iron ore mining in the Pilbara commenced in the 1960s, after the Australian Government lifted an embargo on iron ore exports in 1938 in the lead up to World War II. By the 1970s, pioneering…