The Fluor SKM Joint Venture (FAST JV) has received new awards from BHP Billiton to execute the company’s Iron Ore Expansion Program in Western Australia. The focus of new awards will be primarily the expansion of the Jimblebar mine. Fluor booked approximately $3 billion for the Jimblebar Project and additional work in the company’s first quarter of 2011. BHP Billiton’s Rapid Growth Project 6 (RGP6) is expected to increase installed capacity for BHP Billiton Iron Ore Western Australia assets to 240 Mt/y. Jimblebar is located in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, approximately 40 km east of Newman.

“Fluor and the FAST JV have been part of this project from the very beginning and we are honoured to be chosen to support the next stage of this strategic initiative,” said Dwayne Wilson, Group Executive of Fluor’s Industrial business line. “Fluor’s long-term presence in Australia combined with our substantial global mining experience positioned us well to support this project.”

The FAST JV is a joint venture between Fluor Australia Pty Ltd. and Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM). Fluor is the majority partner in the FAST JV. Fluor and SKM have provided engineering, procurement, construction management, and commissioning services to BHP Billiton Iron Ore since 2001. Work is already underway on the Jimblebar Project. The FAST JV office in Perth, Australia, will continue to lead this project.