A memorandum of understanding (MoU) for a partnership between BBI Group (BBIG) and China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) has been signed for the development of the $5.6 billion Balla Balla Infrastructure iron ore project in Western Australia.
Both BBIG and CSCEC, under the agreement, will be working together to ensure that the project is built and operated by qualified and Pilbara experienced contractors. This effort confirms BBIG’s commitment to increase the opportunities for regional as well as local businesses and employees.
According to BBIG Chair Jon Young, this partnership takes the project another step closer to receiving the final investment decision.
“We are pleased to have secured the confidence and support of China State Construction Engineering Corporation, an internationally significant construction partner who possesses world class experience in the delivery of large scale infrastructure projects, including port and rail infrastructure.
“The MoU between BBIG and CSCEC recognises the critical importance of a Pilbara experience workforce to the successful delivery of the project,” Mr Young said.
A State Agreement was previously signed for the development of 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.
The project is expected to generate up to 3,300 jobs during construction and more than 900 positions once the operational.
Construction is expected to commence in 2018.
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Source: Australian Mining