BHPB seeks approval for iron-ore expansion
mining-journal.com
Publishing Date
03 Jun 2009 10:43am GMT
Author
Mining Journal
BHP Billiton is seeking environmental approval for the sixth stage of its expansion of iron-ore output in Australia to meet increasing demand for the steelmaking ingredient.
BHPB wants to dredge the harbour at Port Hedland in Western Australia to accommodate bigger ships, the Melbourne-based company said in documents lodged with the Federal Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. The dredging is part of the Rapid Growth Project 6, Melbourne-based BHPB said.
“In order to meet the continual increase in market demand for iron ore, BHP Billiton Iron Ore is currently undertaking feasibility studies into a further,” rapid growth project, it said in the documents. The sixth expansion may cost at least US$2 billion, according to a BHPB presentation in October.
Marius Kloppers, chief executive, said in February this expansion, which has yet to be approved, would increase capacity to 250Mt. BHPB produced 116Mt of iron ore last year. BHP approved the US$1.094 billion Rapid Growth Project 5 project in February last year. |
