BCI Minerals has officially transitioned its Mardie Salt and Potash Project into full-scale operations, marking Australia’s first new salt project in over three decades and positioning the Pilbara as home to the world’s third-largest salt operation.
The milestone follows the approval of the updated Groundwater Monitoring and Management Plan (GMMP) by both the Western Australian and federal governments.
This crucial regulatory clearance from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) enables BCI to fill all evaporation ponds and begin commissioning the first crystallisers — key steps in ramping up to commercial-scale production.
The Mardie Project is set to produce 5.35 million tonnes of industrial salt annually, making it the largest salt project in Australia and the third largest globally.
The operation, which relies on solar and wind for more than 99 per cent of its energy requirements, will use an innovative pond-filling strategy, drawing seawater from both the north and south of the project footprint.
All ponds are expected to reach full capacity ahead of the 2025/26 summer, a critical milestone for optimising production.
With a projected operational life of 60 years, the Mardie Project is expected to contribute more than $4.8 billion to Australia’s GDP and create over 1,000 jobs, delivering multi-generational benefits to the Pilbara region and the broader economy.
The project will also be the first in Australia to recycle bitterns from salt production to manufacture Sulphate of Potash (SOP), supporting downstream processing and value-adding in line with Western Australian government objectives.
BCI Minerals Managing Director David Boshoff described the approvals as a turning point for the nation’s salt industry, stating: “We’re the newest salt producer, bringing the latest technology to produce a commodity that is essential in manufacturing thousands of products used in everyday life.
“I’m incredibly thankful to all those who have helped us achieve this milestone.
“Together, we’ve paved the way for a world-class salt operation to come online, bringing multigenerational benefits to Australia.
“Through our multi-user Cape Preston West Port and our strategic location on the Pilbara coast, we will have a competitive advantage to deliver premium industrial salt to key Asian markets.”
Boshoff stated that the company will continue to actively monitor the shifting global trade landscape to identify any arising opportunities to expand its presence in new markets.
The Mardie Project’s salt will be exported via a new port facility and jetty at Cape Preston West, providing direct and efficient access to international markets, with the first shipments expected in 2027.
This development cements WA’s role as a global leader in sustainable mineral production, leveraging renewable energy and innovative circular economy practices for long-term regional and national benefit.
