The mining industry is one of the biggest industries that inject billions into the Australian economy and in 2019, a number of mining projects have marked new milestones - whether it be project announcements, contract awards or construction commencement - which was covered on Felix Project News.
On this second post for our Throwback Thursday series, we will list the top five mining industry stories that garnered the most views on Felix Project News.
1. CIMIC Group companies secure work on $1 billion Olive Downs Project
Background: The billion dollar coking coal project will comprise of an open-cut metallurgical coal mine, a coal handling and preparation plant as well as an 18-kilometre rail spur and on-site rail loop, and other infrastructure to aid mining operations. The Olive Downs Coking Coal Project is anticipated to support up to 500 jobs annually during its construction phase and about 1,000 jobs once operational. Once construction is completed, the mine will be able to produce approximately 15Mtpa of coal each year.
Update: CIMIC Group companies CPB Contractors and Sedgman has been awarded a $184 million contract to deliver the coal handling and preparation plant. Read more about it here.
Developer: Pembroke Resources
Location: Near Moranbah and Dysart in Central Queensland
Anticipated completion: The coal handling and preparation plant is set to be completed in 2020
2. FMG appoints NRW Holdings as contractor for $1.7 billion Eliwana Project
Background: The $1.69 billion Eliwana iron ore project will include the delivery of a 30Mtpa dry ore processing facility and infrastructure as well as a 143-kilometre rail line. Approximately 1,900 jobs are expected to be created during construction and a further 500 jobs once operational.
Update: NRW Holdings was awarded a $57 million contract for works on the rail component of the Eliwana project. Read more about it here.
Developer: Fortescue Metals Group
Location: Approximately 90 kilometres west-northwest of Tom Price in the Pilbara region of Western Australia
Anticipated production commencement: 2020
3. Contractors appointed for works at Finniss Lithium Project
Background: The Finniss Lithium Project will be the first lithium mine development in the Northern Territory. The project was granted a 20-year Mineral Lease for the development of the Grants Deposit. This project is expected to support up to 150 jobs during construction and about 90 operational jobs.
Update: Primero Group, Qube Bulk Pty Ltd and Lucas Total Contract Solutions have all been appointed to deliver works on the lithium project. Read more about it here.
Developer: Core Lithium Ltd
Location: Approximately 36 kilometres from Berry Springs and 90 kilometres from Darwin in the Northern Territory
Status: Awaiting the grant of necessary approvals before construction can commence
4. $3.7 billion Iron Bridge Magnetite Project Stage 2
Background: The Iron Bridge Magnetite Project will include the delivery of an ore processing facility with an annual capacity of 22 million wet metric tonnes, an airstrip and expanded village as well as water and concentrate pipelines, and associated port handling infrastructure. The development of the project is anticipated to support up to 3,000 jobs, with another 900 jobs once operational.
Update: The Iron Bridge Magnetite Project has been given the green light for development Read more about it here.
Developer: Joint venture partners Fortescue Metals Group and Formosa Steel
Location: Approximately 145 kilometres south of Port Hedland in the Pilbara region of Western Australia
Anticipated first ore production: The first half of 2022
5. Two contractors appointed for $1.7 billion Eliwana project
Background: The Eliwana iron ore project is set to underpin FMG’s introduction of a 60 per cent iron grade product to market as well as help the company maintain a low cost status status. The project was approved for development in 2018 and will comprise of a 143-kilometre rail line and 30Mtpa dry ore processing facility.
Update: BGC Contracting and SIMPEC have been awarded contracts for works on the Eliwana project. Read more about it here.
Developer: Fortescue Metals Group
Location: Approximately 90 kilometres west-northwest of Tom Price in the Pilbara region of Western Australia
Anticipated production commencement: 2020
Stay tuned next week for another Throwback Thursday post. If you missed last week's throwback post, you can still read it here.
Don’t forget to subscribe to Felix Project News today to stay up to date with the latest industry news and project updates.