Project Proponent BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd Proposal description The proposal is for the remaining life of the mine (50+ years), located west of Jimblebar Creek on Mining Lease 266SA. It entails increasing the iron ore production rate at the mine from 8 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) to approximately 12Mtpa, and the mining of the currently undeveloped deposits on either side of the existing operation, including both in-situ hard rock and detrital ores. Approximately 600 million tonnes of Marra Mamba iron ore have been identified within the mining envelope. Because all of the ore in this proposal is above the water table the proposed mining will not require pit dewatering. Several pits are to be developed and mined at the same time to allow for blending of ores to suit customer requirements. Note: The mine, first known as McCamey’s Monster, became the Jimblebar Iron Ore Mine and subsequently Wheelarra Hill. It has been operating since 1989 under the Iron Ore (McCamey's Monster) Agreement Authorisation Act 1972. Assessment Number 1558 Region Pilbara Referred under EP Act s38 Industry sector Iron Ore Last updated November 17, 2006 Current Status Ministerial Statement published 1. Referral Referral documentation Environmental Protection Statement Volume 1 (PDF, 34.4 MB) Environmental Protection Statement Volume 2 (PDF, 20.94 MB) 2. Decision on whether to assess this proposal Chair's Determination Environmental Protection Statement (EPS) Preliminary Environmental Factors Social Surroundings Flora and Vegetation Subterranean Fauna Terrestrial Fauna Hydrological Processes Date published Monday, 11 April, 2005 4. EPA Report on assessment EPA Report Number 1168 EPA Report Wheelarra Hill Iron Ore Mine Extension (PDF, 3.37 MB) Key Environmental Factors Flora and Vegetation Landforms Terrestrial Environmental Quality Terrestrial Fauna Water Hydrological Processes Date published Monday, 11 April, 2005 Appeals close Tuesday, 26 April, 2005 5. Decision on proposal and implementation of proposal Ministerial Statement Date of approval Tuesday, 16 August, 2005 Ministerial Statement Ministerial Statement 683 (PDF, 2.28 MB) Post-assessment changes s. 45C amendments Attachment to Statement 683 - Increase in area of disturbance from 1,960 ha to 2,022 ha - change to proposal approved under s45C on 17 November 2006. Date of approval s. 45C Friday, 17 November, 2006
