The proposed Mulga Downs mine is located approximately 210 kilometres south of Port Hedland and 180 kilometres north west of Newman in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Mulga Downs mine is on the traditional lands of the Banjima People.
Facilities will support production of up to 20 Mtpa, with the expected life of mine of 30 years.
Mining will be undertaken using conventional drill and blast, load, and haul methods, with dewatering required to enable dry-floor mining in some parts of the orebody. Following processing, ore will be stockpiled at the Mulga Hub before being transported.
Status
The project is currently undergoing pre-feasibility studies. Subject to required mining and environmental approvals, construction is scheduled to commence in mid to late 2025, to facilitate first ore in FY27.
Infrastructure overview
- Mine associated infrastructure and support facilities include;
- Accommodation camp
- Energy supply infrastructure
- Airstrip
- Wastewater treatment plant
- Offices
- Workshops and laydown areas
- Preliminary plant infrastructure design consists of primary and secondary crushing stages and dry screening facilities, wet processing facilities, samples station and product stackers
Additional details
A separate mining area, known as the Murray’s Hill, is within the vicinity of the Mulga Downs project envelope. This is a standalone 5 Mtpa direct shipping ore mine with a life of up to five years (including decommissioning and rehabilitation). Murray’s Hill was referred to the Environmental Protection Authority in 2013.
