BCI Minerals received final approval for its Mardie Salt and Potash Project, and operations have commenced at the Pilbara site, supporting the economic diversification of the Pilbara.
Located 80km south-west of Karratha, the Mardie Salt and Potash Project is the largest solar salt project 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.
Operations at the site commenced with the filling of its initial evaporation ponds. 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.
BCI Minerals will use transhipment services from its jetty which enables direct, efficient, and cost-effective access to key markets by loading ocean-going vessels up to Newcastlemax size.
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.
Mardie project construction started in February 2022 and is now more than halfway complete, with more than $700 million invested to date. The construction phase of the project will generate around 750 jobs and, once fully operational, the Mardie Project will support over 140 permanent, full-time jobs.
In recognition of its significance to Western Australia, the project was granted lead agency status by the State Government, helping to streamline approvals.
Western Australian Premier, Roger Cook, said the State and Commonwealth Governments giving approval for operations to commence is a fantastic milestone for the Mardie Project.
“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.
“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.”
Western Australian Mines and Petroleum Minister, David Michael, said, “Mardie is the first salt project to be developed in Australia in 25 years and its product will meet growing demand for industrial salt from Asia.
“Uniquely, this project will also produce sulphate of potash – a high-value fertiliser that will be exported to grow various crops and help feed people around the world.
“The project also has a relatively small environmental footprint, given it uses plentiful sea water and is powered almost entirely by renewable energy sources, notably solar and wind.”
Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel said he is excited to see this major economic project for the Pilbara getting underway.
“The Mardie Project will help to diversify our economy and create hundreds of quality jobs for local workers.”
Featured image: Francisco Romo Torres/shutterstock.com
