Fortescue Metals Group has hit a significant milestone, marking first ore feed into the processing plant at its Iron Bridge magnetite project in the Pilbara.
With first production anticipated in the March 2023 quarter, Iron Bridge will see Fortescue deliver an enhanced product range and, according to the company, create 900 new jobs. The project could also become one of Fortescue’s first fossil-fuel-free sites.
Fortescue recently announced its formal commitment to exit fossil fuels by 2030, with plans to avoid three million tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions per year and supply a carbon-free iron ore product.
“At Fortescue, we take pride in the fact that we consistently deliver what we say we will, and Iron Bridge is no different,” Fortescue’s executive chairman Andrew Forrest.
“Building on our track record of safely and successfully developing and operating iron ore projects in the Pilbara, Iron Bridge will lead the way for magnetite operations in Western Australia.”
Located 145km south of Port Hedland, Iron Bridge will deliver 22 million tonnes of high-grade 67 per cent Fe magnetite concentrate per year. This product, Fortescue said, will enable the company to enter the high-iron-ore-grade market segment by providing an enhanced product range while also increasing annual production and shipping capacity.
“The Iron Bridge high-grade magnetite product is a significant differentiator for Fortescue, and led by the highly experienced project team I am incredibly pleased with the significant progress made to achieve first ore feed into the processing plant,” Fortescue chief operating officer iron ore Dino Otranto said.
“This is a project that has been delivered during a challenging environment, and despite a global pandemic, rising inflationary pressures and a tight labour market, the Fortescue values have risen to the forefront and demonstrated our ability to continue delivering this ground-breaking project.”
According to Fortescue, the nature of the Iron Bridge ore bodies and the company’s use of a dry crushing and grinding circuit contribute to the project’s operational efficiency across energy, water use and cost.
Low-cost power will be delivered to Iron Bridge through Fortescue’s investment in the Pilbara Energy Connect project, which includes energy transmission line infrastructure, solar gas hybrid generation and associated battery storage solution.