Hancock Prospecting expects the first shipment of Manganese from the Nicholas Downs mine to leave Port Hedland today.
The MV "Bulk Navigator" vessel berthed at the Utah Point port and was loaded with approximately 25,000 tonnes of 38 per cent ferruginous manganese bound for China.
In a statement Hancock Prospecting said there is more ore at Port Hedland waiting to be loaded.
The Nicholas Downs mine has been developed by Hancock Prospecting and Minerals Resources under an 2008 agreement to implement a manganese processing and export operation.
The deposit of Ferruginous Manganese at Nicholas Downs is currently estimated at 20 million tonnes and is made up of bedded mesa style mineralization and a detrital style scree.
More exploration work is expected to be undertaken as the project progresses.
The current production rate is approximately 45,000 tonnes per month with a current target of 60,000 tonnes per month.
"We are delighted with the commencement of the Nicholas Downs project and in addition to thanking all team members for their hard work, would particularly like to again thank the Nyiyaparli for their combined good relationship with our group as we work together on mineral and related projects of benefit to the region and our State," said Mrs Rinehart.
