The Western Australian Government has committed to a State Agreement with Balla Balla Infrastructure Group (BBIG) for a $5.6 billion integrated iron ore development in the Pilbara.
According to Premier Colin Barnett, BBIG is planning to build a new iron ore export facility on the Pilbara coast – between Karratha and Port Hedland – as well as a 162-kilometre railway which will link the facility to central Pilbara’s iron ore deposits.
“This State Agreement includes a requirement for local industry participation and community development plans to be submitted to the Government for approval, maximising the benefits of the project for West Australians,” Mr Barnett said.
Mr Barnett also said that once the project gets underway, it will be able to generate 3,300 jobs during the construction phase as well as 910 jobs once the development is completed and operational.
BBIG’s export facility will be using a custom-built barge to transfer ore onto ships, which will help reduce costs and impacts on the environment.
According to State Development Minister Bill Marmion, this project showed that there was still great interest as well as investment opportunities in the State’s resources sector despite some economic headwinds.
“State Agreements provide certainty for business, resulting in longer-term investment and advantages for the West Australian economy through jobs and community benefits.
“Western Australia is ranked as the best jurisdiction in the world for mining industry investment – this ranking is the direct result of the Liberal National Government providing the right environment to encourage the continued development of our resources industry,” Mr Marmion said.
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Source: Government of Western Australia, WA Today and Mining.com