Work has begun on a $611 million upgrade to Lumsden Point in Port Hedland, Western Australia.
Around one million cubic metres of material will be dredged from Lumsden over the next eight weeks, creating a deeper access channel, swing basin and berth pockets to ensure the safe and efficient berthing of vessels at the new Lumsden Point facility.
The works are thanks to a $450 million grant from the Australian Government, a $96.6 million grant from the Western Australian Government and investment from mining majors like BHP, Fortescue, Roy Hill, Hancock Prospecting and Mineral Resources, who have collectively contributed $65 million.
Western Australian Minister for Ports David Michael said it is fantastic to see progress being made at Lumsden.
“The commencement of the dredging and reclamation works represents a significant milestone in the project’s advancement which will help diversify trade in the Pilbara,” he said.
“Upon completion, Lumsden Point is expected to boost Australia’s gross domestic product by $2.1 billion per annum.
“It is expected to save 3.6 million tonnes of emissions by 2055 by supporting direct shipping to the Pilbara and providing a pathway for renewable energy infrastructure.”
A major supporter of growth to the Pilbara’s direct shipping services, Lumsden Point is expected to become a key export channel of battery metals like lithium and copper concentrates.
Not only exporting key critical materials, Lumsden is set to be key to Australia’s own green energy transition with the import of renewable energy infrastructure including wind turbines and blades.
“This project is all about investment in quality infrastructure which encourages and supports opportunities for local businesses and communities,” Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said.
“We will continue to partner with the Western Australian Government to ensure that this vital infrastructure progresses.”
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