Mining Area C – Southern Flank Significant Amendment

Overview

BHP Iron Ore Pty Ltd is proposing to significantly amend the approved proposal at Mining Area C, located approximately 120 km north-west of Newman. 

The approved proposal consists of above and below water table mine pits and associated infrastructure, groundwater abstraction, dewatering and surplus water infrastructure, ore processing facilities, ore transportation infrastructure, haul and access roads, and ore and topsoil stockpiles. 

The significant amendment proposal involves increased dewatering to allow below water table mining, increased surplus water management and additional clearing for additional water related infrastructure. 

The development envelope is proposed to increase by 1,150 hectares (ha) to a total of 40,059 ha and clearing of native vegetation to increase by 1,076 ha to no more than 22,900 ha. The maximum project life is proposed to be until 2073. 

The approved proposal sits mostly within the boundaries of the Banjima Native Title Determination (WCD2014/001) and also intersects with the Nyiyaparli Native Title Determination (WCD2018/008).

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.