Fortescue outlines 12 million tonnes of Wyloo North Iron Ore Mine in Pilbara

Australian mining company Fortescue Ltd has outlined plans to develop the Wyloo North iron ore deposit in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, according to a proposal content document submitted to the Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority.

According to the proposal, Fortescue plans to develop an iron ore mine with a capacity of 12 million tons per year, with ore transported by road train to the nearby Elivan mine in Fortescue for processing. Fortestcue plans to build quarries supported by crushing and screening plants, including several mobile plants. The project will also include related infrastructure such as transportation and access roads, pipelines, power generation and distribution systems, residential camps, workshops, warehouses, and waste management areas.

Upon completion, the electricity supply is expected to be primarily powered by solar and renewable energy sources, powered by batteries, and connected via an overhead transmission line to the Fortescue Pilbara transmission network. Emergency diesel generators will remain in place for backup purposes.

The service life of the project is estimated at about 20 years, including about two years of construction, 13 years of operation and five years of decommissioning. Progressive rehabilitation will be carried out throughout the life of the mine, with the final closure of the site being carried out in accordance with the Wyloo North Iron Ore Mine Closure Plan.