Regulatory approvals of Fenix Resources’ next iron ore mine have been secured, paving the way for development of a Mid West mining hub.
Fenix on Monday revealed the state government had settled regulatory and environmental approvals for the Beebyn-W10 mine west of Meekatharra, about 350km from Geraldton.
That mine will enable Fenix to boost production from W10 and its existing W11 mine to 6 million tonnes per year.
Fenix executive chairman John Welborn said the Beebyn Hub was crucial for the miner’s ambition to combine its three remote mines into one hub.
Mr Welborn said that would simplify supply chains, improve product strategies, and centralise Fenix’ workforce.
“The transformation promised in our three-year production plan is now well underway,” he said.
“Having secured the exclusive thirty year right to mine the high-quality hematite iron ore in the Weld Range, we are now systematically developing the world-class project potential of the region.
“The Beebyn Hub is now the core of our Weld Range operations and provides the platform for the delivery of our three-year production plan ramp up to 6Mtpa by FY28 as well as the base for our longer-term expansion to 10Mtpa.”
Mr Welborn said the Beebyn Hub would generate beneficial economies of scale.
A binding deal on obligations and restrictions with the Wajarri Yamaji people is the final remaining box to tick. Consent to mine has already been received.
Fenix expects to ship its first ore from Beebyn-W10 by the end of December this year.
Mining at the W11 deposit began in June last year, with an estimated construction cost of $23m.
Fenix expects the broader Beebyn Hub to cost upwards of $45m to build over three years.
China’s Sinosteel Midwest Corporation owns the tenements; Fenix signed a deal with Sinosteel in 2025 to mine the deposit until 2055.
