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| HOME >> Topics List >> November, 2008 >> 27 (Thu) |
| BHPB Approves Capacity Expansion For W. Australian Iron Ore |
| = Under "RGP5" aiming to increase capacity to 205 Mt/a = |
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BHP Billiton ("BHPB") announced November 25 the approval of the Rapid Growth Project 5 ("RGP5") with a total investment of US$4.8 billion (BHPB share). Under the RGP5, installed capacity across the Company's Western Australian Iron Ore operations will be increased by 50 Mt/a to 205 Mt/a (100% basis). RGP5 is expected to deliver first production in the second half of the 2011 calendar year. The majority of production growth will come from the Yandi and Mining Area C operations. RGP5 will also deliver significant infrastructure upgrades including additional shipping berths at the Port Hedland inner harbour (Finucane Island), substantial double tracking of the Company's rail system and additional crushing, screening and stockpiling facilities at Yandi. To date BHPB has been implementing phased projects to increase production capacity of Western Iron Ore Iron Ore operations. Currently RGP4 is in progress to increase installed capacity of mainly Mt Newman mine to 155 Mt/a by 2010. The newly approved RGP5 will be implemented in parallel with the RGP4. BHPB is carrying forward Western Australian Iron Ore Operations in joint venture with Itochu Minerals & Energy of Australia Pty Ltd, Mitsui-Itochu Iron Pty Ltd and Mitsui Iron Ore Corporation Pty Ltd. The RGP5 will be funded by each partner pro-rata to stakeholding ratio. Itochu and Mitsui will invest a total of approximately US$840 million into the RGP5. |
| last modified : Tue 02 Dec, 2008 [10:43] |
