Atlas Iron commences development of McPhee Creek iron ore project

The first soil has been turned and development of Atlas Iron’s McPhee Creek iron ore mine in Western Australia is now underway. 

This follows the granting of the final approval by the Federal Government in September of this year. 

Due to various environmental and regulatory hurdles faced by the project, Atlas Iron pushed the beginning of mine development to the 2025-26 financial year. 

Atlas iron’s Executive Chairman Gina Rinehart paid tribute to the hardworking teams who delivered the project, stating: “Our teams remained focussed and determined as they tackle the countless government permits, hurdles, and unnecessary tape to secure approval. 

“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.” 

The $600 million McPhee Creek iron ore project is located about 100 kilometres north of the Roy Hill mine and 30 kilometres north of Nullagine. 

Once operational, ore from the McPhee operations will be transported to and processed at Roy Hill where ore will be blended to improve product mix and sustain Roy Hill’s production volumes. 

The McPhee Creek iron ore project is expected to create 800 new jobs, including 500 jobs during its construction and 300 permanent jobs once the mine is up and running. 

In addition to the development of the McPhee project, Atlas Iron is also partnering with the Western Australian Government to upgrade 92 kilometres of Marble Bar Road to a two-lane, sealed road. Works are now underway on this project that will help improve road safety and connectivity. 

Source: HanRoy (1, 2, 3); Australian Mining