Australia’s iron ore industry remains a cornerstone of the local economy and of global supply. Australian Resources & Investment spotlights Australia’s next generation of iron ore mines, from both major and emerging companies.
South Flank and Mining Area C – BHP
BHP’s South Flank mine, in conjunction with the adjacent Mining Area C, forms the world’s largest iron ore hub.
BHP saw record volumes delivered from the Central Pilbara Hub (South Flank and Mining Area C) during the first half (H1) of the 2024–25 financial year (FY25), with South Flank delivering a nine per cent increase in productive movement across the period.
The major plans to increase production to 305 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) at its broader Western Australian Iron Ore operations over the medium term, with the potential to reach even higher levels.
Gudai-Darri – Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto’s Gudai-Darri mine, also situated in the Pilbara, is one of the company’s most technologically advanced operations, including a robotic ore sampling laboratory which provides visibility of ore grades within minutes.
Gudai-Darri boasts autonomous trucks, trains and drills, which are standard across many of Rio Tinto’s Pilbara mines, and a digital replica of the processing plant, allowing teams to quickly test different situations prior to implementation.
With an expected mine life of over 40 years, Gudai-Darri has the capacity to produce 43Mtpa.
Onslow Iron – Mineral Resources
Mineral Resources’ Onslow Iron project is progressing towards achieving nameplate capacity of 35Mtpa, expected in the first quarter of the 2025–26 financial year.
The project includes the establishment of one of Australia’s largest transhipping operations, enhancing its export capabilities.
The fourth transhipper for the project has commenced operations, marking an important step in the ramp-up towards full production.
Beebyn-W11 – Fenix Resources
Fenix Resources’ Beebyn-W11 mine, located in Western Australia’s mid-west region, is set to produce 1.5Mtpa of iron ore starting from the September quarter.
Construction has begun, including earthworks, infrastructure development, and the construction of a private haul road.
This mine is a significant contributor to Fenix’s 2025 production target of 4Mtpa.
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