Nyidinghu Iron Ore Mine

Overview

Chichester Metals Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of Fortescue Metals Group, proposes to develop and operate an iron ore mine approximately 80 kilometres north-west of Newman. The Nyidinghu Iron Ore Mine proposal includes mine pits above and below the water table, an on-site ore processing from various sources, waste rock and tailings storage, an aerodrome, groundwater abstraction, surplus water management including aquifer recharge and other supporting infrastructure.  

The proposal has a development envelope of 92,301 hectare (ha) and a disturbance footprint of 12, 365 ha.  

Scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions are predicted to be up to 285,000 CO2 equivalence per annum (t CO2-e p/a during operations. 

Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions are predicted to be up to 544,000 t CO2-e p/a during operations. 

The proposal excludes transport, electricity and water pipeline infrastructure required to connect the proposal to existing operations. This infrastructure is included in the East Hamersley Railway Project proposal.   

The East Hamersley Railway Project has also been referred to the Environmental Protection Authority and is being considered concurrently to this proposal. Further information on the East Hamersley Railway Project is available here.

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.