Hancock Iron Ore has delivered first ore from the McPhee Creek mine in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.
The milestone marks a technical first for the company, integrating an external orebody into the existing Roy Hill system.
The integration allows Hancock to blend products, sustain high production volumes, and extend the overall mine life of the Roy Hill mega-mine by leveraging its established world-class infrastructure.
Bringing the McPhee Creek site into production was a logistical feat, requiring one million cubic metres of earthworks.
The development included the construction of essential mine infrastructure, workshops, and a 220-room accommodation camp.
Additionally, a 100-kilometre stretch of upgraded sealed roads was delivered in partnership with the Western Australian government, improving access to the new operation and boosting surrounding regional infrastructure.
Project management firm HanRoy was credited with safely delivering and commissioning the project on schedule, navigating a complex approvals environment and significant regulatory hurdles.
Hancock Iron Ore leadership praised the long-term vision of Executive Chairman Mrs Gina Rinehart AO, highlighting her ongoing investment in Australian resources, regional employment, and national prosperity.
Reflecting on the economic impact of the project, Rinehart noted the critical link between the resources sector and the domestic economy, stating, “when mining does well, so do Australians, but, when mining doesn’t do well, nor do Australians”.
The mined ore will now be regularly transported to Roy Hill for processing and blending to optimise the final product mix.
As the site shifts from project delivery to a regular mining schedule, Hancock Iron Ore stated the move strengthens the company’s long-term future as a reliable global supplier, cementing its position within the Australian resources landscape.
