Newman Hub (Western Ridge) Derived Proposal

Overview

BHP propose to expand existing mining operations at the Newman Hub in the Pilbara, approximately 2 kilometres (km) southwest of Newman. The Proposal is a derived proposal for mining operations at Newman (Western Ridge) authorised by the Pilbara Expansion Strategic Proposal, Ministerial Statement 1105.  

The proposal is to develop four iron ore deposits to expand BHP’s Newman Hub and includes:  

• overburden storage areas 

• ore and topsoil stockpiles  

• haul and access roads 

• overland conveyor 

• 30 million tonnes per annum crusher  

• creek diversions and non-process infrastructure. 

The proposal is adjacent to Mt Whaleback mining operations. Existing ore processing and non-process infrastructure would be utilised, such as existing surplus water pipelines to Ophthalmia Dam, heavy vehicle maintenance facilities, ammonium nitrate fuel oil storage, potable water supply, laboratory analysis services, medical services and sub-station power supply.  

The proposal would include a maximum of 4,281 hectares (ha) of disturbance within a 7,234 ha development envelope.

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.