Tag Archives: Formosa Steel IB

Fortescue celebrates first shipment of Iron Bridge magnetite

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

Fortescue’s first shipment from its newly built, majority-owned Iron Bridge operations, in Western Australia, will soon be on its way to Vietnam marking the first time the company has exported a high-grade magnetite product.

It follows first production earlier this year, which saw the plant surpass expectations with a first run grade of greater than 67% Fe.

Iron Bridge, Fortescue says, is a demonstration of the company’s pioneering innovation. It signifies the first time the company has produced a wet concentrate product, which is transported to Port Hedland through a 135 km specialist slurry pipeline where dewatering and materials handling occurs to create a high grade magnetite product.

Fortescue Metals Chief Executive Officer, Fiona Hick, joined Nyamal Traditional Custodians and representatives from Fortescue’s Iron Bridge Joint Venture partner, Formosa, in Port Hedland as the first shipment was loaded.

Hick said: “Today is a truly special day for Fortescue. Last week we celebrated 20 years since Fortescue was founded and, today, we celebrate our first shipment of high-grade magnetite product from our most complex and innovative project yet.

“Iron Bridge is a game changer for Fortescue and builds on our track record of safely and successfully developing and operating iron ore projects in the Pilbara.

“High grade magnetite product will play an important role in lowering emissions in the steel industry, and Fortescue is moving at pace to ensure we are at the forefront of developing green steel technologies.

“I congratulate the entire Fortescue team for delivering this project while maintaining strong safety performance. We remain focused now on achieving a safe and efficient ramp up.”

Iron Bridge is an Unincorporated Joint Venture between FMG Magnetite Pty Ltd (69%) and Formosa Steel IB Pty Ltd (31%).

At full capacity, Iron Bridge is expected to deliver 22 Mt/y of high grade 67% Fe magnetite concentrate.

Civmec tops up Iron Bridge work with new on-site contract

Comminution of minerals, Mineral processing, Mineral project development, Mining services, Steel and iron ore, , , , , ,

Civmec Ltd has confirmed approximately A$140 million ($105 million) in new contracts, with one of these a new agreement to deliver on-site structural, mechanical, piping and electrical works for the Iron Bridge magnetite project, in Western Australia.

The Iron Bridge contract will be delivered through the Minerals and Metals Division, while the other heavy engineering manufacturing projects will be delivered from Civmec’s expanded fabrication facilities.

It includes the installation of the crushing circuit, primary grinding, dry separation, air classification and dry tailings units for the dry plant at the project. Mobilisation will commence in early 2021 and, at peak, the project will employ around 400 people on site.

Iron Bridge is a joint venture between Fortescue Metals Group’s subsidiary FMG Magnetite Pty Ltd and Formosa Steel IB Pty Ltd (IBJV).

Civmec’s Chief Executive Officer, Patrick Tallon, said: “We are delighted to extend our relationship with IBJV with further work awarded on the Iron Bridge magnetite project. We are currently delivering site civil concrete works and have commenced work for the supply of 4,700 t of steel structures and modules for the same project, so this latest award is a very rewarding outcome and aligns well with our multi-discipline capability business model.”

Back in July, Civmec said the Metals and Minerals division had been awarded a standalone civil contract to build the structural concrete components for the dry plant at the IBJV.

ABB to deliver drives and motors to Fortescue’s Iron Bridge Magnetite project

Comminution of minerals, Mineral processing, Mineral project development, Mining equipment, Mining services, Power supply for mines, Steel and iron ore, , , , , , , , , , ,

ABB has won a $26 million order from Fortescue Metals Group to deliver water-cooled variable speed drives and high voltage induction motors to FMG’s majority-owned Iron Bridge Magnetite project in Western Australia.

The project, operated under an unincorporated joint venture between Fortescue subsidiary, FMG Magnetite Pty Ltd, and Formosa Steel IB, covers the development of a new magnetite mine, including processing and transport facilities. The $2.6 billion development is expected to produce 22 Mt/y (wet) of high grade, magnetite concentrate, with first ore in 2022.

As part of the project, the Iron Bridge Joint Venture required a cost-effective energy efficient variable speed drive solution, according to ABB. These drives, to be installed in eight switch rooms, operate with a separate transformer that is located outside the room. This reduces the heat generated inside, resulting in less energy required to maintain the 25°C room temperature.

ABB’s water-cooled drives also directly support a higher voltage 33 kV network, it said. “This eliminates the need for a lower voltage intermediate switchboard and additional components, which ultimately reduces the total cost of the project,” the company explained.

Iron Bridge also selected ABB high voltage induction motors to power high pressure grinding rolls, grinding mills and baghouse fans used to separate the ore from the dust at Iron Bridge. Engineered to withstand harsh conditions, the motors offer high power efficiency, but in a frame size smaller than competitive alternatives, it said.

Mike Briggs, Business Manager for ABB Motion, Australia, said: “We have worked closely with the Iron Bridge team to ensure that we delivered an energy efficient, reliable and innovative solution. We are especially pleased to have won both the drive and the motor business, and look forward to continuing our strong relationship with Fortescue beyond the delivery of this project and supporting them throughout the mine’s lifecycle.”

Aqura to supply LTE equipment to Iron Bridge magnetite project

Communications in mining, IoT, Mineral project development, Mining services, Steel and iron ore, , , , , , , , , ,

Veris Ltd subsidiary, Aqura Technologies, has secured a contract to supply advanced LTE equipment for the Iron Bridge Magnetite project, a joint venture between Fortescue Metals Group subsidiary FMG Magnetite Pty Ltd and Formosa Steel IB Pty Ltd, in the Pilbara of Western Australia.

The A$2 million ($1.4 million) contract reflects Aqura’s strong focus to understand the evolving technology needs of the project and demonstrate its industry-leading capability to identify and design robust technology solutions that will support clients’ future operational strategies, the company said.

Aqura Technologies CEO, Travis Young, said: “This contract award is a great validation of the strategy the Aqura team are pursuing to leverage their expertise to enable other organisations to achieve positive business outcomes with leading-edge technology. We are very pleased to be supporting the great work of FMG and look forward to assisting them with their longer-term technology transformation program.

“Aqura continues to lead in high-performance industrial connectivity with advanced engagements for new rollouts, and other developments such as the imminent completion of our first 5G-enabled LTE network to bring the benefits of private LTE to a broader spectrum of businesses.”

The $2.6 billion Iron Bridge Magnetite project is expected to see a new magnetite mine developed to support production of 22 Mt/y of high-grade concentrate, according to Fortescue. First concentrate is expected to be produced by mid-2022.

Civmec to build and supply modules for BMA Hay Point shiploader, Iron Bridge project

Bulk handling, Mineral project development, Mining services, Steel and iron ore, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Civmec says it has secured new contracts with a combined value of around A$175 million ($126 million) including new projects with BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) and the Iron Bridge magnetite project.

BMA has engaged Civmec to fabricate, modularise and commission the 1,800 t SL2A ship loader using pre-contract capital ahead of a large infrastructure replacement project at Hay Point Coal Terminal (pictured, still subject to final board approval by BHP and Mitsubishi).

The contract awarded to Civmec includes the supply and assembly of the complete ship loader, up to the no-load commissioning stage. The large material handling equipment will be fabricated at the company’s Henderson manufacturing facility in Western Australia and will be assembled undercover in the company’s newly built assembly hall from where it will be delivered Free Along Side to the Australian Marine Complex Wharf for loading onto a heavy lift ship.

Work will commence immediately, with completion anticipated in the second half of 2022, Civmec says. The award of this scope of work will provide an estimated peak of 150 jobs in Perth.

The Iron Bridge JV contract includes the supply of 4,700 t of conveyor, trusses and trestles for the Iron Bridge Magnetite project, a joint venture between Fortescue Metals Group subsidiary FMG Iron Bridge and Formosa Steel IB.

Work will commence this month, with most of this completed in Civmec’s 2021 financial year. The scope will be predominately delivered from the company’s Henderson facility.

Back in July, Civmec was awarded a standalone civil contract to build the structural concrete components for the dry plant at Iron Bridge.

In addition to the above contracts, Civmec has recently secured new and increased scope packages across its Minerals & Metal and Oil and Gas Sectors, including the replenishment of orders for the fabrication of tray bodies for dump trucks from the Newcastle manufacturing facility.

Civmec’s Chief Executive Officer, Patrick Tallon, said: “We are extremely pleased to be given this opportunity to further support BHP in the delivery of a ship loader. This contract follows on from other smart modules and machines delivered by Civmec for BHP projects as part of our partnership delivering high quality, complex machines.”

He added: “We are delighted to extend our relationship with Fortescue with further work awarded on the Iron Bridge project. Having recently commenced the on-site activities for the recently awarded civil concrete package for the same project and, as we draw closer to completion on the Eliwana project for Fortescue, it is pleasing to get the opportunity to further underpin the relationship.”

Decmil captures NPI contract at Iron Bridge Magnetite project

Equipment maintenance, Mining maintenance, Mining services, Steel and iron ore, , , , , , , ,

Decmil Group says it has been awarded a circa-A$41 million ($30 million) contract to undertake non-mining process infrastructure works at the Iron Bridge Magnetite project in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

Construction is scheduled to commence in September 2020 and be completed by May 2021.

Under the scope of works, Decmil will design and construct a bulk fuel storage and transfer facility, a mobile maintenance complex, including workshops, warehouses and related satellite office and site services facilities.

The bulk fuel storage and transfer facility will provide a refuelling facility for heavy vehicles, while the mobile maintenance complex includes a heavy vehicle workshop that incorporates locker storage, tool storage and an administration area, Decmil said.

The $2.6 billion Iron Bridge Magnetite project, owned by Fortescue Metals Group subsidiary FMG Iron Bridge Ltd and Formosa Steel IB, is expected to see a new magnetite mine developed to support production of 22 Mt/y of high grade concentrate, according to Fortescue. First concentrate is expected to be produced by mid-2022.

Decmil’s agreement is the latest in a stream of contracts the JV has issued recently, including the award of a wet processing plant build to CPB Contractors, a civils contract awarded to Civmec to build the structural concrete components for the dry plant at the project, and PROK’s contract for the design, manufacture and supply of conveyor pulleys at Iron Bridge.

Decmil CEO, Dickie Dique, said the company was delighted to secure works at one of Australia’s most significant mining projects.

“Crucially, this award at such a major project enhances our credentials to potentially secure more work in a resurgent iron ore and magnetite sector,” Dique said.

Civmec to build foundations for key Iron Bridge processing equipment

Mineral project development, Mining project news, Mining services, Steel and iron ore, , , , , , ,

Civmec’s Metals and Minerals division has been awarded a standalone civil contract to build the structural concrete components for the dry plant at the jointly-owned Iron Bridge magnetite project in the Pilbara of Western Australia.

The “Dry Plant Detailed Earthworks and Concrete” package was awarded by the owners of the project, Fortescue Metals Group subsidiary, FMG Iron Bridge Ltd, and Formosa Steel IB.

The project will see a new magnetite mine developed to support production of 22 Mt/y of high grade, magnetite concentrate product.

Civmec’s scope includes constructing the structural concrete components for the primary, secondary and tertiary crushing areas, screening areas, air classification and primary grinding areas, course ore stockpile, dry rejects, conveyors and all related earthing. It will involve over 350,000 cu.m of earthworks, the fixing of some 5,000 tons (4,536 t) of steel reinforcement and the placement of around 38,000 cu.m of concrete.

These works will employ over 200 of Civmec’s skilled workforce at peak, plus a commitment to engage with Local Aboriginal Enterprises, Civmec said, adding that the works will commence immediately with an expected completion in the March quarter of 2022.

Civmec’s Chief Executive Officer, Patrick Tallon, said: “Through our current delivery of works for Fortescue in the Pilbara, we have formed a strong working relationship built on transparency, trust and collaboration and reliable execution. Hence, we are extremely pleased to be given this further opportunity to continue to work with Fortescue on the Iron Bridge project.

“This is an exciting project of a very significant scale with a declared value for the overall project being $2.6 billion. The Iron Bridge joint venture has demonstrated and refined each step of the magnetite ore processing system and conducted full-scale trials to ensure the effectiveness of the process and gain confidence in the overall project success.”

This most recent contract award, combined with some other recent awards and scope increases on existing contracts, take the group’s current order book to circa-A$901 million ($625 million).

NRW Holdings wins bulk earthworks assignment from Iron Bridge project partners

Mineral project development, Mining services, Steel and iron ore, , , , , , ,

NRW Holdings is about to mobilise a team to carry out bulk earthworks at Fortescue Metals’ majority-owned Iron Bridge magnetite project in Western Australia.

The contractor confirmed it had received a notice of award for the bulk earthworks assignment from the Iron Bridge joint venture (between FMG subsidiary FMG Iron Bridge and Formosa Steel IB) and, while the award remained subject to finalisation, it had been directed to commence mobilisation.

The $2.6 billion Iron Bridge project will see the development of a new magnetite mine (including processing and transport facilities) and associated infrastructure. It will support production of 22 Mt/y (wet) of high grade (67% Fe), magnetite concentrate product, according to the partners. Production is expected by mid-2022. The Iron Bridge site comprises the North Star, Eastern Limb, Glacier Valley and West Star magnetite iron ore deposits and is 145 km south of Port Hedland.

The contract scope for NRW includes the bulk earthworks and drainage for roads, processing plant and infrastructure for the new mine site development. The contract value is around A$70 million ($47 million) and is expected to have a duration of around 45 weeks, NRW said. At its peak, there will be some 200 site based personnel required for the project.

NRW’s CEO and Managing Director, Jules Pemberton, said: “NRW is pleased to be involved in this exciting new project with Fortescue and looks forward to its successful execution.”

MACA on the road again at Iron Bridge magnetite project

Mineral project development, Mining services, Steel and iron ore, , , , , ,

MACA says it has been awarded a bulk earthworks contract at the Iron Bridge magnetite project, a joint venture development in the Pilbara of Western Australia between Fortescue Metals and Formosa Steel IB.

The contract is for access roads and infrastructure at the $2.6 billion project, 145 km south of Port Hedland.

MACA said this work is expected to generate revenue of A$26 million ($17.6 million) for the company, with the scope including general earthworks for camp expansion, construction of 26 km of mine access road, construction of the explosive facility and access road, and a further 23 km of road upgrade works.

MACA, which has already started work on the contract, becomes the latest mining equipment, technology and services contract to find work at Iron Bridge, which is expected to deliver 22 Mt/y of high-grade 67% Fe concentrate production following start up in 2022.

Just last month, Weir Minerals was awarded its largest ever individual mining order from the project.

 

Weir secures largest-ever individual mining order from Fortescue

Comminution of minerals, Environmental, Mineral processing, Mineral project development, Mining equipment, Mining project news, Mining services, Steel and iron ore, Water management, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Weir Group says it has been awarded a £100 million ($123 million) order to provide industry-leading energy saving solutions to the Iron Bridge magnetite project, a joint venture between Fortescue Metals Group and Formosa Steel IB.

The order, which includes a range of Weir crushing and pump equipment including Enduron® high pressure grinding rolls (HPGRs) and GEHO® pumps, will reduce energy consumption and wet tailings waste by more than 30% compared with traditional mining technologies, according to the equipment manufacturer.

The Iron Bridge project, 145 km south of Port Hedland in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, is a $2.6 billion investment in premium magnetite iron ore reserves with annual production, when the mine is fully operational, of 22 Mt/y of 67% Fe concentrate. Delivery of the first ore is expected in 2022.

When the mine build was approved back in April, Fortescue CEO, Elizabeth Gaines, said the innovative design for the project, which included the use of a dry crushing and grinding circuit, “will deliver an industry-leading energy efficient operation with globally competitive capital intensity and operating costs”.

A pilot project to verify the Iron Bridge project design involved processing 1 Mt of ore through a full scale HPGR and air classifier, according to Fortescue.

Weir Group Chief Executive Officer, Jon Stanton, said: “We are delighted to have secured this landmark contract, which is Weir’s largest-ever individual mining order.

“Fortescue challenged us to help create one of the most energy and cost-efficient magnetite ore processing facilities in the world. Our engineers have worked relentlessly to design a solution that is truly innovative – delivering significant energy, water and cost savings. This is a great example of working in close partnership with an ambitious customer who shares our passion for using innovative engineering to make mining more productive and sustainable.”

Ricardo Garib, President of the Weir Minerals division, added: “Our team are really enjoying working with Fortescue. Our engineers relish a challenge and it has been great to work on a project that demonstrates the substantial cost and environmental savings that our range of solutions can offer.

“As more mines look to increase productivity, we look forward to even more opportunities to leverage our combination of passionate people, innovative solutions and comprehensive global service capability.”

Weir’s Enduron HPGRs are increasingly replacing conventional mills in comminution (crushing, screening and grinding) circuits because of their substantially lower energy consumption and potential for significant total cost of ownership reduction, Weir says.

“Not only do they require as much as 40% less energy than traditional alternatives, but their wearable components last much longer and the maintenance time required to replace worn out parts is significantly lower.”

The company outlined the reasons why companies are turning to Enduron HPGRs in a blog post earlier this week.