BCI Minerals has received Federal Government approval to progress full-scale operations at its Mardie salt and potash project in Western Australia.
The approval was granted by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) for Mardie’s groundwater monitoring and management plan (GMMP), the final step in its campaign to begin full-scale production.
This latest approval, together with prior Western Australian Government approvals, enables BCI to commence filling remaining operational ponds and begin commissioning the site’s crystallisers.
“This is a major milestone in the development of Australia’s newest and largest solar salt project,” BCI managing director David Boshoff said.
“With all necessary environmental approvals now in place, we are fully focused on safely delivering a world-class operation that will supply premium industrial salt to global markets.”
Located 80km south-west of Karratha, the project is the largest solar salt operation in Australia and the third largest globally. The project can produce 5.3 million tonnes of high-quality industrial salt for export to customers globally.
Salt will be exported through a new port facility and jetty stretching 2.4km, which is located at Mardie and managed by the Pilbara Ports Authority.
The first export of high-quality industrial salt is expected to occur in 2027.
An essential ingredient in many manufacturing processes, including batteries and solar panels, the uplift in Western Australia’s industrial salt production will support the economic diversification of the Pilbara, and help to establish the state as a global clean energy powerhouse.
In recognition of its significance to Western Australia, the project was granted lead agency status by the State Government, helping to streamline approvals.
“The Pilbara is a hub of activity for Western Australia with the state Government committed to expanding and diversifying its ever-growing list of exportable goods,” Western Australian Premier Roger Cook said at the time the status was granted.
“Once the Mardie Project becomes fully operational, Western Australia will be well placed to become a major player on the global stage with one of the world’s largest solar salt projects.”
