State agreement signed for A$5.6bn Pilbara iron-ore export facility

PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Western Australian government has committed to a state agreement with the Balla Balla Infrastructure Group (BBIG), which is planning a A$5.6-billion integrated iron-ore project in the Pilbara.

The BBIG, which is 90% held by Todd Corporation, is planning to construct an export facility between Karratha and Port Hedland capable of handling between six-million and ten-million tonnes of iron-ore a year. The project will consist of a port facility at Balla Balla and the development of a 162 km railway line to the central Pilbara.

“This state agreement includes a requirement for local industry participation and community development plans to be submitted to the government for approval, maximising the benefits of the project for West Australians,” Premier Colin Barnett said on Monday.

“While there are still a number of hurdles for the proponent, it's estimated when it gets under way, the project will generate 3 300 jobs during construction and 910 jobs once operational.

“The proposed export facility will use custom-built barges to transfer ore onto ships, reducing costs and environmental impacts.”

State Development Minister Bill Marmion said the project showed that despite some economic headwinds, there was still great interest and investment opportunities in the Western Australian resources sector.

“State agreements provide certainty for business, resulting in longer-term investment and advantages for the West Australian economy through jobs and community benefits,” Marmion said.