Fortescue Metals Group’s Founder and Chairman, Andrew Forrest was joined by Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan for the official sod turning of the Eliwana Mine and Rail Project in the Pilbara, WA.
Located 90 kilometres west-north-west of Tom Price, Fortescue Metals Group’s $1.7 billion Eliwana mine and rail project will produce 30 million tonnes of haematite iron ore per annum, creating up to 1,900 jobs during construction and 500 full-time site positions over its more than 20 years of operation.
The project includes the construction of a new dry ore processing facility and infrastructure, as well as 143 kilometres of rail linking the Eliwana mine to Fortescue’s existing railway and mining operations at Solomon.
Mr Forrest said the development will utilise the latest technology, autonomous trucks and design efficiency, further cementing the company’s world leading use of innovation across its mining operations.
“This is a proud day for Fortescue as we celebrate the largest project since the Kings Valley mine in 2014,” Mr Forrest noted.
“Since Fortescue was founded 16 years ago, we have held community and family at our core and continued to deliver on our commitment to be the safest, lowest cost company.
“Eliwana is the next great step into the Western Hub, enhancing our profitability and extending our mine life.
The project has already injected $330 million into the local economy via purchasing local goods and services and awarding contracts with a value of $1 million or above to Australian firms.
According to Mr Forrest, more than $500 million in further contracts could be awarded by the end of September 2019.
“As always, we are committed to ensuring communities benefit from our growth and development and Eliwana continues our significant contribution to the great state of Western Australia,” he concluded.
Premier Mark McGowan congratulated Fortescue on the start of this important, job-creating project.
“The Eliwana mine and rail project will deliver a significant boost to WA’s economy, with around 2,400 jobs in total created for WA workers,” the Premier continued.
“It’s great to see a strong local content component, with many Western Australian companies awarded contracts to carry out important works, including steel fabrication.
“Eliwana is one of a number of large projects we expect will come online in the next few years, which points to confidence returning to our State’s economy.”
