BHP Iron Ore has received ministerial approval to expand its existing mining operations near Newman in Western Australia’s Pilbara region, following assessment under the Environmental Protection Act 1986.
The Orebody 29/30/35 Significant Amendment proposal, located about seven kilometres west-south-west of Newman, lies adjacent to BHP’s existing Mt Whaleback iron ore mine.
The proposal builds upon operations previously approved under Ministerial Statement 963, issued in March 2014, which authorised mining below the watertable across the Orebody 29, 30 and 35 sites.
Under the expansion, BHP plans to extend mining activities at Orebody 29 and 30, both above and below the watertable, and to add a ramp at Orebody 35 to improve access and production efficiency.
The proposal also encompasses the development of new overburden storage areas and the construction and operation of a surplus water pipeline connecting to Ophthalmia Dam.
Additionally, BHP has sought approval to increase both groundwater abstraction and surplus water disposal limits to support the continued viability of mining operations.
The development envelope spans 1,346 hectares, with up to 116 hectares of native vegetation proposed to be cleared.
The project area falls within the Nyiyaparli Native Title determination area (WCD2018/008), and BHP has committed to ongoing engagement with Traditional Owners and relevant stakeholders as part of its environmental and heritage management processes.
According to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), the proposal was referred under section 38 of the EP Act and assigned Assessment Number 2491.
Following a detailed evaluation of environmental factors, including water management, flora and fauna conservation, and cumulative regional impacts, the EPA’s recommendation supported approval subject to updated and strengthened conditions.
The amended Ministerial Statement, now published as of February 5, 2026, defines the regulatory framework for ongoing environmental management and monitoring at the site.
It requires BHP to continue implementing measures to protect groundwater-dependent ecosystems and to manage the responsible use and discharge of surplus water.
The Orebody 29/30/35 amendment forms part of BHP’s broader strategy to sustain long-term iron ore production in the Pilbara, where the company operates a network of major mining hubs supplying global steel markets.