Wyloo North Iron Ore Mine

Overview

Fortescue Ltd (Fortescue) proposes to develop the Wyloo North Iron Ore Mine in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, approximately 110 kilometres (km) west of Tom Price in the Hamersley Range.  

The Proposal involves the construction and operation of an iron ore mine using conventional open-cut methods, including mining both above and below the groundwater table. To support mining activities, the Proposal includes the development of mine pits, waste rock landforms, ore and soil stockpiles, and supporting linear and ancillary infrastructure (including an infrastructure corridor and associated facilities). Groundwater abstraction and dewatering will be undertaken as required to enable below water table mining, supported by water management infrastructure within the project area. 

Ore extracted from the Proposal area will be transported by road train to the Eliwana Iron Ore Mine, located approximately 3 km northeast, for processing.  

The proponent estimates that up to 4,954.5 hectares (ha) of disturbance is required to support the proposed mining operations within a 21,910.1 ha Mine Development Envelope (MDE). 

The operational life of the proposal is estimated to be approximately 13 years. 

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.