The project, located southeast of Yandy, will operate as a satellite extension of the mine and utilize existing processing, railway and port infrastructure, helping the Ministry of the North generate an expected profit of more than 30 percent. The project will include the construction of a 13-kilometer access road and an overland bridge, the modernization of existing facilities and the installation of new primary and secondary crushing plants in Yandi. Construction is scheduled to begin in July, with the first ore expected in fiscal year 2028-29, and annual production is projected at about 20 million tons after full capacity expansion.
Ministers North will produce iron ore fines for direct transportation by dry crushing and sorting. The project belongs to BHP, Itochu Corporation and Mitsui & Co. with shares of 85 percent, eight percent and seven percent respectively.
Meanwhile, BHP's iron ore production increased by one percent year-on-year to a record 264.7 million tonnes in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2026, while WAIO's production remained broadly stable at a record 256.9 million tonnes. tons, which is equivalent to 291.2 million tons on a 100% basis, supported by high supply chain performance, record material production, and South Flank production exceeding its annual passport capacity. In fiscal year 2026-27, BHP expects total iron ore production to be 260-272 million tonnes, including 253-264 million tonnes from WAIO, or 286-298 million tonnes on a 100% basis.
