Jimblebar Optimisation Project

Overview

The Jimblebar Optimisation Project is a revision of the existing Jimblebar Iron Ore Mine approved under Ministerial Statements 683, 809 and 857.

The Revised Proposal is for mining operations at Jimblebar, located approximately 40 km east of the town of Newman.

Mining of iron ore deposits will be undertaken above and below the water table. Mining operations will include open pits, overburden storage areas and the construction and operation of associated mine, processing and rail infrastructure.

The Revised Proposal would require additional clearing of up to 2000 hectares of native vegetation and changes to the management of surplus water.

Groundwater will be abstracted for water supply and to dewater the orebodies. Surplus water management will include transfer to Ophthalmia Dam, controlled creek discharge and managed aquifer recharge

Why your views matter

At this initial stage of the EIA process, comment is simply sought on whether or not the EPA should assess a proposal and, if so, what level of assessment is considered appropriate.

What happens next

Following the seven day public comment period and consideration of any comments received, the EPA will decide whether or not this proposal requires environmental impact assessment and, if so, what level of assessment will be applied.

The EPA's decisions on level of assessment are released each Monday on the EPA's website.