- BCI Minerals' Mardie Salt and
Potash Project begins operations
- Project to become the largest
solar salt project in Australia and the third largest globally
- In line with the Cook
Government's Diversify WA economic development framework
- Project supports economic
diversification of the Pilbara
The third largest solar
salt project in the world has commenced operations in the Pilbara, after BCI
Minerals received final approval for its Mardie Salt and Potash Project.
Located 80 kilometres
south-west of Karratha, the project is capable of producing 5.3 million tonnes
of high-quality industrial salt for export to customers around the world.
An essential ingredient
in many manufacturing processes, including batteries and solar panels, the
uplift in Western Australia's industrial salt production will support the
economic diversification of the Pilbara, and help to establish the State as a
global clean energy powerhouse.
Construction of the Mardie
Project commenced in February 2022 and is now more than halfway complete, with more
than $700 million invested to date. The construction phase of the Project will
generate around 750 jobs and, once fully operational, the Mardie Project will
support over 140 permanent, full-time jobs.
In recognition of its
significance to WA, the Project was granted Lead Agency status by the State
Government, helping to streamline approvals.
Operations at the site
commenced with the filling of its initial evaporation ponds. Salt will be
exported through a new port facility and jetty stretching 2.4 km, which is
located at Mardie and managed by the Pilbara Ports Authority.
BCI Minerals will use
transhipment services from its jetty which enables direct, efficient, and
cost-effective access to key markets by loading ocean-going vessels up to
Newcastlemax size.
The first export of
high-quality industrial salt is expected to occur in 2027.
Comments attributed
to Premier Roger Cook:
"This is a fantastic
milestone for the Mardie Project, with approval now given through both the
State and Commonwealth governments for operations to commence.
"The Pilbara is a hub of
activity for Western Australia with the State Government committed to expanding
and diversifying its ever growing list of exportable goods.
"Once the Mardie Project
becomes fully operational, WA will be well placed to become a major player on
the global stage with one of the world's largest solar salt projects."
Comments
attributed to Mines and Petroleum Minister David Michael:
"Mardie is the first salt project to be
developed in Australia in 25 years and its product will meet growing demand for
industrial salt from Asia.
"Uniquely this project
will also produce sulphate of potash, a high-value fertiliser that will be
exported to grow various crops and help feed people around the world.
"The project also has a
relatively small environmental footprint, given it uses plentiful sea water and
is powered almost entirely by renewable energy sources, notably solar and wind."
Comments attributed to
Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
"I'm excited to see this
major economic project for the Pilbara getting underway.
"The Mardie Project will
help to diversify our economy and create hundreds of quality jobs for local
workers."
