Fortescue Metals Group Ltd (Fortescue) has achieved a significant milestone in the development of its iron ore operations in the Pilbara, celebrating first ore through the ore processing facility at the Eliwana mine and rail project in the Western Hub.
On December 8, Fortescue Chief Executive Officer, Elizabeth Gaines, and Deputy Chairman, Mark Barnaba AM celebrated the official event on-site at Eliwana, alongside Western Australian Minister for Mines and Petroleum, the Hon. Bill Johnston MLA, representatives of Fortescue’s native title partners, the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura People (PKKP); members of the Fortescue Board of Directors and the Core Leadership team.
Ms Gaines said that Eliwana is the next important stage of development of Fortescue’s world-class, integrated operations.
“Exploration commenced in this area in 2006, and we have now delivered a new 30 million tonne per annum dry ore processing facility and infrastructure, along with 143 kilometres of rail which is in the final stages of construction,” she detailed.
“Eliwana will see us maintain our low-cost status and provide us with greater flexibility across our product mix. Construction of the mine, village and infrastructure was completed safely over a 12-month period, in line with budget and schedule.”
“Fortescue has a vision to drive economic growth and contribute to thriving local communities, and our investment in the Eliwana mine and rail project will continue our strong track record of delivering against this goal,” Ms Gaines commented.
At the event, Minister for Mines and Petroleum Bill Johnston congratulated Fortescue and everyone involved on the completion of the Eliwana project.
“This important project created around 2,000 jobs during construction and will create 500 full-time site positions as the team move into operations,” Minister Johnston said.
“Fortescue’s Eliwana mine will deliver a significant boost to Western Australia’s economy, during the post-COVID-19 recovery phase, and contribute to the State’s ongoing successful iron ore industry.”
Ms Gaines added that a diverse workforce is integral to the company’s success.
“As one of Australia’s largest employers of Aboriginal people, Fortescue continues to provide training and employment opportunities for Aboriginal people, who represent 14 per cent of the Eliwana operations workforce,” she said.
“In addition, 23 per cent of our Eliwana operations team are women, contributing to our commitment to increase gender diversity across our operations.”
“The Eliwana project has delivered a significant boost to the State and industry, with contracts valued at A$1.83 billion awarded to Australian businesses. This includes contracts awarded to 290 West Australian businesses, with local procurement totalling 84 per cent of the project spend.”
