BHP has approved execution of the Ministers North Project as part of a $US0.9 billion investment on a 100% basis in the future of Western Australia Iron Ore. The project centres on a high-grade Brockman ore deposit southeast of Yandi in Western Australia’s Pilbara region.
Using existing Yandi infrastructure, the Ministers North Project is designed to deliver 20 million tpy once ramped up. It will help sustain tonnes and support BHP’s 305 million tpy (100% basis) medium term iron ore production target.
Yandi Infrastructure to Be Expanded
The development will establish the Ministers North orebodies as a satellite extension of Yandi. Planned work includes a 13 km haul road and land bridge connecting Yandi and Ministers North. BHP will also upgrade existing infrastructure and install a new primary and secondary crusher at Yandi to support future production.
By using the existing infrastructure, skills and experience at Yandi, the Ministers North Project is intended to bring a new orebody into production while supporting continuity across BHP’s Western Australia Iron Ore operations.
BHP Highlights Yandi’s Long-Term Role
BHP Western Australia Iron Ore Asset President Tim Day said: “Yandi has been an important part of our WA iron ore operations for more than 30 years.
“Our investment in Ministers North helps us build on that legacy. We’re making the most of the infrastructure, skills, and experience we already have to bring a new orebody into production and keep our high-quality Pilbara iron ore flowing. “This is about maintaining continuity as Yandi matures naturally and backing the future of the Pilbara and our iron ore business.”
Joint Venture Partners Support Capacity
Ministers North is a joint venture between BHP, Itochu Corporation and Mitsui & Co, with ownership interests of 85%, 8%, and 7% respectively. The Ministers North Project reflects the strength of the joint venture partnership and its shared long-term commitment to sustaining production capacity and creating enduring value.