The Project is a substantial iron ore export operation proposed for the Pilbara region of Western Australia (Figure 1). API is currently developing Stage 1 of the Project, which is based initially on pisolite iron ore deposits located 30 km to 85 km south west of Pannawonica. There is potential for considerable growth in subsequent stages based on the prospective and extensive tenement portfolio in the west Pilbara, as well as tenements in the east Pilbara.
Project Definition
API completed the Pre-Feasibility Study for Stage 1 of the Project in May 2008 with the following primary Project outcomes:
- Iron ore mining and export at a rate of 25 million tonnes per annum
- Simultaneous mining of multiple pisolite deposits located on the western region of the Hamersley Ranges (Figure 2)
- A heavy haul railway from the mine area to a port location at Cape Preston (approximately 160km)
- Iron ore stockpiles, processing, blending and ship loading facilities at the port location
- Capital investment in the order of $A4.0 billion