Tag Archives: Atlas Iron

HanRoy turns first soil at McPhee Creek iron ore mine

Mine operation news, Mineral project development, Steel and iron ore, , , , ,

HanRoy Iron Ore Projects Pty Ltd has completed an important milestone with the official turning of first soil for our newest iron ore mine, McPhee Creek, in the Pilbara of Western Australia.

Executive Chairman, Mrs Rinehart, HanRoy CEO, Sanjiv Manchanda, and staff from Roy Hill, HanRoy and Atlas were on site for a special sod-turning ceremony.

Once operational, ore from McPhee Creek will be transported to and processed at Roy Hill where it can be blended to improve product mix and sustain Roy Hill’s production volumes, extending the life of mine for our fantastic employees and adding to the billions of dollars in royalties and taxes paid to Australian governments, the company says.

HanRoy is part of Hancock Prospecting, with the McPhee Creek iron ore project located some 100 km north of Roy Hill Mine and 30 km north of Nullagine. McPhee Creek has an expected production rate of approximately 9.5-9.7 Mt/y (wet). Primary crushed ore will be hauled via road train from McPhee Creek to Roy Hill for processing, transport to the port and shipping.

Rinehart paid tribute to all the hardworking teams who delivered the project in the face of lengthy delays caused by bureaucratic regulations and government tape.

“Our teams remained focussed and determined as they tackled the countless government permits, hurdles, and unnecessary tape to secure approval,” she said. “Big congratulations to Sanjiv who 10 years ago led development of our mega Roy mine and has delivered another crucial project for our business, while contending with growing regulatory burdens and obstacles. Quite strange to have such onerous burdens, when McPhee is using infrastructure in existence, such as preparation plant, rail, road and port.

“Not only will McPhee help us remain a trusted and reliable supplier of iron ore in the global market, but its development will also ensure ongoing jobs and opportunities for our fantastic staff and the many local, small and large businesses our operations support, and the continuation of billions of dollars in revenue to governments through taxes and royalties, etc. Revenue which funds jobs and living standards, plus services and infrastructure that assist Australians.”

Manchanda said taking McPhee Creek from concept to groundbreaking had involved dedicated effort and determined work.

“The McPhee mine was a part of the acquisition of Atlas in 2018 by Hancock Prospecting,” he said. “Feasibility studies were commenced in early 2019 and the Atlas Board approved the project in 2021.

“Almost four years later, having experienced the introduction and subsequent withdrawal of the ACH bill, introduction of draft Pilbara regional guidelines under proposed nature positive legislation and once again its subsequent withdrawal, here we are finally marking the commencement of development of this mine by HanRoy for and on behalf of Atlas and Roy Hill. This mine will contribute hundreds of millions of dollars in various forms of state and federal taxes duties and royalties and benefits to the people who live in this area.

“This could easily have been billions instead of millions, if we had the opportunity and the approvals to have the mine in production in 2021/2022 when the iron ore price was more than $200 per tonne and not $100 per tonne.”

A critical part of the McPhee Creek project is HanRoy’s unique partnership with the state government to upgrade 92 km of Marble Bar Road to a two-lane, sealed road which will improve road safety and connectivity for emergency services and people living in Newman and Marble Bar. This road is being upgraded as part of a project with Decmil.

CSI Mining Services gets crushing gig at Atlas Iron’s McPhee Creek project

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CSI Mining Services, part of Mineral Resources Ltd, says it has been awarded a five-year crushing contract for Atlas Iron’s McPhee Creek project, in Western Australia.

The contract will see CSI supply and operate a 10 Mt/y primary crushing plant at the McPhee Creek iron ore mine site, fed by Atlas Iron via dump trucks or wheel loaders, with product to be stockpiled for reclaim and haulage by Atlas Iron.

Chief Executive Mining Services, Mike Grey, said the contract adds to the strong pipeline of upcoming work for CSI.

“It’s fantastic to strengthen our partnership with Atlas Iron, with CSI also currently providing crushing services for their Sanjiv Ridge mining operations and crushing and haulage operations for Roy Hill,” he said. “It’s an exciting period of growth for our business, with CSI recently awarded three new crushing contracts.

“The variety of projects we support ensures our people have opportunities to work on different mine sites with diverse clients, gaining experience across a range of crushing plants.”

CSI is scheduled to mobilise to site in late 2024 to commence construction activities, ahead of crushing commencing in the June quarter of 2025.

The McPhee mine site is located in the northeast Pilbara region of Western Australia, some 100 km north of Roy Hill Mine and 30 km north of Nullagine, with an expected production rate of approximately 9.5-9.7 Mt/y (wet). Primary crushed ore will be hauled via road train from McPhee to Roy Hill for processing, transport to the port and shipping.

MACA wins load and haul contract with Atlas Iron’s McPhee Creek project

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MACA says it has been awarded the mining contract at Atlas Iron’s McPhee Creek project, in the northeast Pilbara region of Western Australia, approximately 100 km north of the Roy Hill Mine.

Thiess Group Executive Australia West and MACA CEO, David Greig, said: “MACA has a strong, 20-year history servicing the resources and construction industries, and has built long standing client relationships during this period. We are now operating as a Thiess company, and I am delighted with the effort between both companies to continue to support these relationships and critical project development in Western Australia.”

“We’ve been working with Atlas for almost 15 years across our crushing, civil and mining businesses, and I look forward to working with them once again on the McPhee Creek project,” he said.

Thiess Executive Chair and CEO, Michael Wright, added: “It is very pleasing to see MACA’s ongoing commitment to their clients. They have great people who pride themselves in providing value across a broad range of services.”

The three-year project scope includes mine load and haul of up to 10 Mt/y, before being transported to Roy Hill for processing. The project is anticipated to employ 145 people at peak operations and will include partnerships with local Indigenous businesses.

Atlas Iron names load and haul, drill and blast contractors for McPhee project

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Atlas Iron says it has awarded the major haulage, mine load and haul as well as drill and blast contracts for its McPhee project in Western Australia, bringing the iron ore project one step closer to construction and commissioning.

With these contracts, the total number of major contracts awarded for the project is over 50%, with five of nine now awarded. All contracts are subject to the relevant government approvals being approved.

The McPhee project is 100 km north of the Roy Hill mine, and is situated between the townships of Marble Bar and Nullagine. The project scope includes haulage of up to 10 Mt/y of crushed ore to Roy Hill for processing, transport to the port and shipping. For this scope, the haulage contract was split between MGM (60%) and REGROUP (40%).

MACA has been awarded the mine load and haul contract, and a separate contract for drill and blast mining services has been awarded to the Nyamal joint venture, EWP-Ozland.

Indigenous contractor, East West Pilbara (EWP), is a Nyamal-owned firm, with EWP-Ozland previously awarded civil and construction works at Atlas Iron’s Miralga Mine, which has been recognised as an industry first, it said.

This announcement marks the first instance of REGROUP, a full-service civil construction, mining services, labour resourcing and equipment hire company, being engaged as a contracting partner.

CEO Group Projects at Hancock Prospecting Group, Sanjiv Manchanda, noted: “The McPhee project is another step in the successful integrated Hancock Group development approach focusing
on the product strategy for the broader group. Atlas will continue to engage local and Indigenous contractors and maintain a practical approach to operations.”

McPhee is expected to commence operations in the 2024 financial year with first ore reaching Roy Hill in thr 2025 financial year. This is subject to the regulatory approvals being granted in early 2023, which will enable the contractors to mobilise to site and commence the works under their respective contracts.

Rio Tinto, BHP, Hancock among miners supporting new Western Australia community initiative

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The McGowan Government in Western Australia has launched what it says is a state-first Resources Community Investment Initiative, backed by major mining companies, which will facilitate investment in iconic state infrastructure projects and community and social initiatives across Western Australia.

Established with founding partners Rio Tinto, BHP, Hancock Prospecting, Roy Hill, Atlas Iron, Woodside Energy, Chevron Australia and Mineral Resources Ltd, the initiative provides a state government-backed platform for direct contribution to iconic infrastructure and social projects in the Western Australia community that will make the state an even better place to live for generations, the government said.

The initial commitments total A$750 million ($496 million) from Rio Tinto (A$250 million), BHP (A$250 million), Hancock Prospecting, Roy Hill and Atlas Iron (A$100 million), Woodside Energy (A$50 million), Chevron Australia A($50 million) and Mineral Resources (A$50 million).

Government will work with The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia and other companies to encourage additional investment from across Western Australia’s resources sector, it said.

An initial pipeline of projects has already been identified, including the Aboriginal Cultural Centre, the Perth Zoo Master Plan, the Remote Aboriginal Communities Fund, the Perth Concert Hall redevelopment and additional contributions to Telethon.

It will also extend to include transformational projects across the state, to enable companies to collectively contribute to achieving long-term social and economic outcomes in the regions they operate in, in areas such as education and training, health, Aboriginal wellbeing and energy decarbonisation projects.

Each company will decide the projects they wish to nominate funding to and individual project agreements will be established with agreed project milestones.

An advisory committee, comprising of an independent chair as well as government and industry representatives, will be convened to oversee the initiative and ensure the highest standards of governance.

Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive, Simon Trott, said: “This initiative is a great example of government and industry working together to support critical projects that will enable our community to prosper for generations to come. We want to leave a lasting, positive legacy wherever we operate, and this initiative will build on our more than 50 years of work helping to create thriving and resilient communities across Western Australia.”

BHP Asset President WA Iron Ore, Brandon Craig, said: “BHP has a long and proud history in Western Australia, and we welcome the collaborative approach taken by the Western Australia Government and the mining industry to strengthen our significant contribution to this great state. We look forward to furthering our support for long-term social and economic outcomes in the regions where we operate, and for all West Australians.”

Hancock Prospecting Executive Chairman, Gina Rinehart, said: “Hancock Prospecting, Roy Hill and Atlas Iron have invested in programs and infrastructure in West Australia over many years and we are pleased to make a further A$100 million contribution through the RCII initiated by Premier McGowan.”

Mineral Resources Ltd Managing Director, Chris Ellison, said: “Western Australians have played a vital role in the success of MinRes and our industry. As a proud Western Australian company, MinRes is continuing to grow, creating jobs and building projects in this great state. It is only natural that we support an initiative that is building a better future for all Western Australians.”

NRW Holdings banks Olive Downs, Mt Webber work

Coal technology, Comminution of minerals, Mine operation news, Mineral project development, Mining services, Steel and iron ore, , , , , , , , , , ,

NRW Holdings has added more work to its roster with confirmation of projects from the Olive Downs coking coal project in Queensland and the Mt Webber iron ore mine in Western Australia.

Golding Contractors, a subsidiary of NRW, has secured the rail civil construction contract for the Pembroke-owned Olive Downs project.

The civil works to be undertaken include a new 19-km rail loop for the new steelmaking coal project, including all earthworks, drainage culverts and construction of two new rail bridges. The scope also includes importing capping material up to underside of ballast.

The contract is valued at circa-A$52 million ($35 million) and is expected to have a duration of 14 months. In addition, Golding has also been awarded circa-A$15 million of bulk earthworks, drainage and roadworks relating to the new coal handling processing plant at Olive Downs.

Olive Downs is being developed to produce up to a forecast 15 Mt/y of saleable coal over its 79-year mine life.

NRW has also received an executed contract extension from Atlas Iron Pty Ltd for the mining and crushing services works at Mt Webber.

Some 220 km south of Port Hedland in the Pilbara Western Australia, Mt Webber has two mining areas in Fender and Dalton, which produces a high-grade lump and fines product that is used in the Atlas Iron supply chain.

The works to be continued include load & haul, drill & blast and run-of-mine re-handling and crushing and screening. The drill & blast and crushing components are to be undertaken by NRW’s wholly owned subsidiaries, Action Drill & Blast Pty Ltd and Primero Pty Ltd. Primero has designed, constructed and will operate a new PGX-1000 crushing plant to allow crushing and screening of up to 1,000 t/h.

The anticipated value of the contract extension is circa-A$60 million over a duration commencing July 2022 and expected to be completed by the end of 2024 with a project workforce averaging around 80 personnel.

NRW’s METS business takes flight with Primero’s latest contract awards

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The first build own operate (BOO) contract initiatives, and the first major engineering, procurement, site support and commissioning contract in West Africa are some of the highlights from Primero Group’s latest contract awards.

The company, acquired by NRW Holdings earlier this year, has recently been awarded new contracts totalling circa-A$155 million ($114 million) with key clients. It has also progressed strategic initiatives that provide further strength to the group offering within the newly formed Minerals, Energy and Technology (METS) business under the NRW Holdings banner, NRW said. RCR Mining Technologies and DIAB Engineering also feature under the METS business.

“These include the award of the group’s BOO contract initiatives crystalising the strategic direction deployed by the group to enter the market of ownership and operation of processing infrastructure,” it said. “The equipment is designed, fabricated and constructed internally utilising the METS division companies and focuses on enabling the infrastructure to be relocatable, in alignment with other material handling products already being offered by the group.”

Primero has been awarded two key contracts with Mt Gibson Iron. The first is for the upgrade of the Koolan Island crushing circuit under an engineering and construction contract off the coast of Western Australia. The second is a two-year fixed crushing contract at the Shine development project in the Mid-West region of Western Australia under a BOO arrangement, with an option to extend.

Also, in the iron ore space and Western Australia, Primero has been awarded a four-year contract for crushing services at Atlas Iron’s proposed Miralga Creek operation in the Pilbara region. The contract provides crushing services for 2 Mt/y under a BOO scenario and will commence in early 2022.

In West Africa, meanwhile, Primero has secured its first major engineering, procurement, site support and commissioning contract for the Abujar gold project in Côte d’Ivoire, owned by Tietto Minerals. “The project award demonstrates the groups continuing growth and maturity in minerals processing engineering execution and diversity in capability across multiple commodities in the group,” NRW said.

The project is at a 3.5 Mt/y throughput scale with most of the contract revenue to be recognised in NRW’s 2022 financial year.

Back in Western Australia, meanwhile, Primero has been awarded the Mt Holland water supply pipeline construction contract from Covalent Lithium. The project follows on from the design services that Primero was awarded in October 2020 and completed including detailed construction planning and methodology for the 130 km pipeline and associated pumping facilities.

Site construction works have commenced, and the project is scheduled for completion in the March quarter of 2022.

As an updated note, Primero confirms the previously announced letter of intent with Panoramic Resources for the contract operations of the Savannah Nickel project has been finalised into a binding contract with a term of three years, as per Panoramic announcement dated April 6, 2021.

Work has already commenced in the preparation and operational readiness for the recommencement of the concentrator operations in-line with the announced restart plan of the mine in the September quarter with first shipments planned in December.

NRW CEO, Jules Pemberton, said: “The ongoing development of the METS pillar of the NRW Holdings Group is continuing to provide further success and market penetration within key client groups in our sector. Primero, as the newest addition to that group, has added significant capability and these recent contract awards showcase the diversity, capability and the expanding capacity of the group across multiple commodities and services.”

Swift Media wins more business from Western Australia mines

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Swift Media Ltd says it has secured two new technology, entertainment and support contracts with Atlas Iron and a contract extension from AngloGold Ashanti, both in Western Australia.

The specialist technology company which delivers entertainment, communications and advertising to remote locations such as mine sites, has booked A$2 million ($1.56 million) in total contract value from its latest pacts, which also includes a contract extension with LNG focused Inpex Operations.

The Atlas Iron contracts at Miralga Creek and Sanjiv Ridge, in Western Australia, will see Swift provide its On Demand communication and entertainment platform and ongoing support for a 36-month term, plus Wi-Fi internet, fibre works, GPON network replacement, and data cabling for the Miralga Creek Village starting in March.

Swift has also extended its AngloGold contract, thought to be at Tropicana, which will see it supply in-room entertainment and ongoing support in 1,042 rooms for 11 months starting February 2021.

First Sanjiv Ridge iron ore shipment on its way, Atlas Iron says

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Atlas Iron has hauled its first shipment of ore by road to Port Hedland, in Western Australia, from its new Sanjiv Ridge operation in four brand new pink trucks.

After announcing the first ore crushed earlier this month, the Hancock Prospecting owned company reached this new milestone this week.

Some 4-5 Mt/y of iron ore lump and fines is to be hauled by road to the Utah Point stockyard, which will add 5-6 years to the Atlas value chain, the company says. It comes with 64 Mt at 57.2% Fe of mineral resources and 29 Mt at 57% Fe reserves.

Sanjiv Manchanda, Atlas Iron CEO, said: “I’m so proud of our team of Atlas staff and our contracting partners, MGM Bulk, MACA and CSI for working so tirelessly to ensure we surpassed our project targets. It’s always a team effort, and our small team certainly knows how to get things done safely, efficiently and with agility to get a win-win outcome.

“I also take this opportunity to thank our partners MGM Bulk and CSI Mining (a Mineral Resources Ltd subsidiary) who painted their four brand new trucks and crusher, which were used today and for the duration of the project, a striking pink colour in recognition of our Group and Executive Chairman’s commitment to supporting breast cancer research and improving patient care. These pink trucks now add to a large amount of mining infrastructure in the Pilbara now pink, including trains, ships, processing plants, crushers and mining trucks.”

Sanjiv Ridge heads for full operations after Atlas Iron crushes first milestone

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Atlas Iron has announced first ore has been crushed at its new mine, Sanjiv Ridge, in Western Australia, ahead of schedule.

Sanjiv Ridge is set to provide a significant boost to Atlas’s annual output, with an expected 4-5 Mt/y of lump and fines to be hauled by road to the Utah Point stockyard at Port Hedland. It is expected the mine will add 5-6 years to the Atlas value chain, with 64 Mt at 57.2% Fe of mineral resources and 29 Mt at 57% Fe reserves.

On the crushing milestone, Atlas Iron CEO, Sanjiv Manchanda, said: “Congratulations to all our team members, including both Atlas Iron staff and our valued contractors, for their hard work and dedication to hit this target ahead of schedule. Now, with first ore crushed, we are focusing on building the product stockpile and commencement of road haulage.”

Sanjiv Ridge was recently renamed from Corunna Downs after Atlas’ CEO in recognition of his long service across the Hancock Prospecting Group of companies.

The new mine site is due to be in full operation in the third quarter of Atlas’ 2021 financial year, and is situated northeast of Atlas Iron’s existing mining operation, Mount Webber.