Unsurprisingly, Western Australia is leading the way with the most mining projects at the committed and feasibility stage. Based on the Australian Resources & Energy Group’s latest report, the state requires almost half of the projected 21,000 national workforce by 2024. Currently, there are $20 billion worth of projects in WA so let’s look at 5 of the biggest projects that have boosted local employment opportunities for jobseekers and the local economy as a whole.
1. BHP South Flank
Commodity: Iron Ore
Investment: $5.3 billion
Construction Jobs: 2,500
Operational Jobs: 600
Start Date: 2018
Finish Date: 2021
BHP’s South Flank project is being developed to replace production from the 80 million tonnes per annum Yandi mine which is now nearing the end of its economic life. BHP will also expand the existing infrastructure at Mining Area C, including construction of an 80 million tonnes per year crushing and screening plant, an overland conveyor system, stockyard and train loading facilities and more. The first ore from the South Flank project is expected in 2021.
2. Fortescue Iron Bridge
Commodity: Iron Ore (Magnetite)
Investment: $3.8 billion
Construction Jobs: 3,000
Operational Jobs: 900
Start Date: 2019
Finish Date: 2022
3. Rio Tinto Koodaideri
Commodity: Iron Ore
Investment: $3.5 billion
Construction Jobs: 2,000
Operational Jobs: 600
Start Date: 2019
Finish Date: 2021
Rio Tinto’s Koodaideri site is situated 35km from its Yandicoorgina iron ore site. With an estimated capacity of 43 million tonnes a year, the Koodaideri site is expected to be Rio Tinto’s next major Pilbara hub. The site will integrate extensive automation and digitization technologies. Rio Tinto’s Koodaideri site is expected to create over 2000 construction jobs and 600 permanent operational jobs over the course of its 30 year lifespan.
4. Fortescue Eliwana
Commodity: Iron Ore
Investment: $1.7 billion
Construction Jobs: 1,900
Operational Jobs: 500
Start Date: 2018
Finish Date: 2020
Fortescue’s Eliwana project involves developing 143km of rail, a new 30 million tonnes per annum dry ore processing facility and infrastructure. Production is expected to begin in December 2020.
5. Albemarle Kemerton Refinery
Commodity: Lithium Hydroxide
Investment: $1.5 billion
Construction Jobs: 500
Operational Jobs: 100
Start Date: 20189
Finish Date: 2021
Albemarle’s Kemerton Refinery is expected to have an initial capacity of 60,000 to 75,000 metric tons of Lithium Hydroxide with ability to expand to 100,000 metric tons in the long run.
What Does This Mean For You?
If you are currently based in Western Australia or want to call the State your home for the next few years, there is a lot you can do to be part of these exciting mining projects. If you are a job seeker, consider enrolling in training courses such as Forklift training, Working at Heights training, White Card training, Confined Space training and Elevated Work Platform (EWP) training. Many mining employers seek candidates with diverse tickets and licences that can be rotated around the work site on a needs basis. Nara Training and Assessing is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO 4518) that delivers a variety of training courses at our Forrestfield and Bunbury training facilities. If you are a business owner, consider investing in training for your workforce to upskill them and ensure your workers know how to perform tasks safely and efficiently. Did you know that Nara Training offers on-site training? Simply visit our website or call 1800 487 246 to obtain a quote.
Source: Business News
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