Ground has been broken at McPhee Creek, the newest iron ore mine for Gina Rinehart’s Atlas Iron which will transport ore to Roy Hill for processing once operational.
At Roy Hill, the ore can be blended to improve product mix and sustain Roy Hill’s production volumes, extending the life of mine and adding to the billions of dollars in royalties and taxes paid to Australian governments.
Roy Hill’s Executive Chairman, Mrs Rinehart, HanRoy CEO, Sanjiv Manchanda, and staff from Roy Hill, HanRoy and Atlas were present for the sod-turning ceremony.
Mrs Rinehart thanked all the hardworking teams that delivered the project despite lengthy delays caused by bureaucratic regulations and government red tape.
“Our teams remained focused and determined as they tackled the countless government permits, hurdles and unnecessary tape to secure approval.
“Not only will McPhee help us remain a trusted and reliable supplier of iron ore in the global market, but its development will also ensure ongoing jobs and opportunities for our fantastic staff and the many local, small and large businesses our operations support, as well as the continuation of billions of dollars in revenue to governments through taxes and royalties. This revenue funds jobs and living standards, plus services and infrastructure that assist Australians.”
Mr Manchanda said that taking McPhee from concept to groundbreaking involved dedicated effort and determined work.
“The McPhee mine was part of the acquisition of Atlas in 2018 by Hancock Prospecting. Feasibility studies commenced in early 2019, and the Atlas Board approved the project in 2021.
“Almost four years later, having experienced the introduction and subsequent withdrawal of the ACH bill, the introduction of draft Pilbara regional guidelines under proposed nature positive legislation, and once again its subsequent withdrawal, here we are finally marking the commencement of the development of this mine by HanRoy for and on behalf of Atlas and Roy Hill.”
Mr Manchanda said the mine will contribute hundreds of millions of dollars in various forms of state and federal taxes, duties and royalties and benefits to the people who live in the area.
A critical part of the McPhee project is HanRoy’s unique partnership with the State Government to upgrade 92km of Marble Bar Road to a two-lane, sealed road which will improve road safety and connectivity for emergency services and people living in Newman and Marble Bar.
