BHP has officially broke ground on the $3.6 billion South Flank iron ore project in the Pilbara of Western Australia, just over a month since it approved development of the project.

Officials from BHP and its joint venture partners Mitsui and ITOCHU were joined by Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan for the ceremony (pictured).

The South Flank project expands the existing infrastructure at Mining Area C, and involves construction of an 80 million tonne per year crushing and screening plant, an overland conveyor system, stockyard and train loading facilities, procurement of new mining fleet and substantial mine development and pre-strip work.

First ore from South Flank is targeted in 2021, with the project expected to produce ore for more than 25 years.

The project, owned 85% by BHP and 15% by Itochu and Mitsui (collectively), will contribute to an increase in the BHP Western Australia iron ore division’s average iron grade from 61% to 62%, and the overall proportion of lump from 25% to some 35%.

Clough is the EPC contractor on the project, with MACA, CIMIC’s CPB, SIMPEC and NRW Holdings also carrying out work at South Flank.