Pilbara Iron Ore Project (PIOP). A 160 km rail and 40km conveyor system approved
The proposed 25-million-tonne-a-year Pilbara Iron Ore Project in Western Australia, has been given the official stamp of approval by WA Environment Minister Albert Jacob. The BBI Project involves the building of a new trans-shipping operation at Ball Balla Harbour – between Port Hedland and Cape Lambert on WA’s north west coast; as well as the construction of a 160 kilometre railway line and a 40 kilometre conveyor system, which will connect to the Pilbara Iron Ore Project (PIOP).
This is being developed by Flinders Mines, with the proposed Balla Balla Infrastructure (BBI) port, also in the iron-ore-rich WA Pilbara region.
Under the approval, Rutila Resources will construct and operate the conveyor system and railway line which will also connect to the port. This piece of infrastructure is absolutely critical to take the dream of developing the mine one step closer.
The WA Balla Balla Infrastructure port, currently being developed in a JV with Todd Minerals, was originally granted WA Ministerial approval in August 2013. In January this year, it was upgraded to allow Rutila to export ore from other supplies via the proposed logistics facilities. New Zealand-based Todd, made a takeover offer for Rutila Resources and recently entered into a A$65-million deal with Flinders to gain ownership of the proposed 25 MTPA Pilbara Iron Ore Project
The Balla Balla Infrastructure port will also be well utilised by Rutila’s Balla Balla magnetite/vanadium/titanium project.
Other contractors have been active on the project also. AECOM is currently progressing rail development plans for the Project. Coffey International is conducting geotechnical and hydrological field studies relating to the rail and port development, while BAM Clough is conducting research for the jetty design at Balla Balla. WorleyParsons is concluding a feasibility study for Flinders Mines at the Pilbara Iron Ore Project.
(20min delay)