Western Ridge Crusher Project progresses to execution

The BHP Board recently announced approval for the Western Ridge Crusher Project (WRC), located on Nyiyaparli Country, approximately 21 kilometres southwest of Newman.

The Western Ridge Crusher is a sustaining tonnes proposal for Newman Operations.

BHP WA Iron Ore Asset President Tim Day said this was a significant milestone and project, with an expected total investment of US$943 million (100% basis).

“We expect to award more than US$45 million (100% basis) in contracts to local and Indigenous businesses – both via BHP direct and indirect engagements. This will achieve significant social value for the communities in which we operate,” Tim said.

First production is expected in Q1 FY2027, and the project is expected to deliver an average of 25 Mtpa providing around 12 years of products for WAIO to replace production from depleting orebodies around Newman.

The project scope includes new ore processing and transportation infrastructure, including construction of a new 30 Mtpa primary crusher and a 12-kilometre overland conveyor to transport the ore from the Mount Helen and Silver Knight iron ore deposits to the Newman West ore processing hub.

Notes

BHP Iron Ore Pty Ltd is committed to providing full, fair and reasonable opportunity for Australian suppliers.

In line with our commitments under the Australian Jobs Act 2013 and approved Australian Industry Participation Plan, opportunities for the Company’s Western Ridge Crusher Project can be accessed through the Industry Capability Network Gateway website.

The Western Ridge Crusher Project was approved for execution by the BHP Board in February 2024. As part of the project the Company continues to seek expressions of interest from suitably qualified contractors to gain an understanding of the capacity and capability of available contractors for the project.