Environmental approval for IOH mine

Iron Ore Holdings has taken another step towards the commencement of its Buckland iron ore project in the Pilbara, gaining environmental approval from the state government for its mine and associated infrastructure and haul roads.

The company said environment minister Albert Jacob had approved its proposal for the development and operation of the Bungaroo South mine, giving the company all the necessary environmental approvals for the project.

The federal government granted environmental approval in July last year. 

Buckland includes 200 kilometres of private haul roads linking the mine to planned transhipping port facilities at Cape Preston on the Pilbara coast.

IOH estimates total annual ore production of the project as 8 million tonnes with maximum average annual revenue of $240 million based on its pre-feasibility study concluded in November 2012.

IOH managing director Alwyn Vorster said the company planned to secure all primary approvals, leases and licenses by June, with the completion of its final feasibility study being scheduled at the same time.

The company concluded a native title agreement with the Kuruma Marthudunera native title claimant group in October 2012 that covered the entire project but it is yet to receive any heritage clearance for the project.

It also needs to obtain road licences and port leases.

IOH said it is continuing discussions with potential development partners for the circa $800 million project.