Major Resource Projects
Following is a list of major projects either proposed, under way or completed in the South West Region of Western Australia.
Alumina Refinery Expansion
Project under consideration
ALCOA
Alcoa is investigating the feasibility of a third production train expansion at its Wagerup alumina refinery to increase capacity up to 4.7 Mt/a. On 14 September 2006, the Minister for the Environment approved the expansion proposal. A decision on the project go-ahead is dependant on market factors.
Expenditure: $1,500 million
Employment: construction 1,500, operation 260.
Bluewaters 1 Power Station Project
Completed Project
Griffin Energy
In June 2009 Griffin Energy completed construction of the first of possibly four 208MW coal-fired power stations at Coolangatta Industrial Estate, 4.5km north-east of Collie.
Expenditure: $400 million
Employment: construction 600, operation 50.
Bluewaters 2 Power Station Project
Project under construction
Griffin Energy
Griffin Energy is constructing the second of possibly four 208MW coal-fired power stations at the Coolangatta Industrial Estate near Collie. Commissioning of the Bluewaters II coal-fired base load power station is expected by late 2011.
Expenditure: $400 million
Employment: construction 600, operation 50.
Coal to Urea Plant
Committed Project
Perdaman Chemicals and Fertilisers
Perdaman Chemical and Fertilisers, formerly North West Chemicals and Fertilisers, plans to develop a coal-to-urea plant at the Shotts Industrial Park, near Collie. The plant will use proven “best in class” coal gasification and fertiliser production technologies. Around 2.7 Mt/a of coal will be used to produce approximately 2 Mt/a of urea, primarily for export to India. The urea will be transported to Bunbury Port by rail. The company has commenced environmental approval processes and has Government approval to obtain land in the Shotts Industrial Park. Supply and off-take arrangements are agreed and will be finalised by early 2010. Construction is expected to commence in Q2 or Q3 2010 with the first shipment of urea occurring in Q3 2013.
Expenditure: $3,700 million
Employment: construction 1,500, operation 200.
Bauxite Mine - Brunswick
Project under consideration
Bauxite Resources Ltd
The proposed mine at Blackboy Hollow on Martin Road will be operated by Bauxite Resources Limited (BRL). The operation aims to export 200,000 tonnes per annum of bauxite through the Bunbury Port. A recent drilling program of 76 holes at the Brunswick Junction site showed deposits of 41.1% bauxite (Al2O3) four metres below ground level and prompted the decision to pursue mining operations. The company is conducting talks with local shires and Bunbury Port Authority regarding the mining operation.
Bluewaters Power Station Project (3 & 4)
Project under consideration
Griffin Energy
Griffin Energy is seeking approval for an expansion of the Bluewaters Power Station with two additional 208 MW coal-fired power stations on the Coolongatta Industrial Estate, 4.5 km north-east of Collie. If all approvals are received the commissioning of phase 3 is expected in late 2013 and commissioning of phase 4 in late 2015.
Employment: construction 600, operation 65.
Worsley Alumina Refinery Expansion
Project under construction
BHP Billiton
BHP Billiton announced in May 2008 the go-ahead for the $2.5 billion Efficiency and Growth expansion project at its Worsley alumina refinery. The expansion project will lift capacity of the refinery from 3.5 Mt/a to 4.7 Mt/a through expanded mining operations, additional refining capacity and upgraded port facilities. The construction phase has begun and first production is expected in the first half of 2011.
Expenditure: $2,500 million
Employment: construction 1,500, operation 200
Gas Fired Power Station
Completed project
Transfield Services Ltd
The Kemerton Power Station is the result of a competitive bidding process to supply Western Power with 260 megawatts of peak generating capacity over the next 25 years. The plant, owned and operated by Transfield Services, is an open cycle gas turbine and capable of using diesel fuel as a back up.
Expenditure: $260 million
Mineral Sands Mine - Jangardup South
Project under consideration
Bemax Cable Sands (WA) Pty Ltd
Bemax Cable Sands has outlined a major titanium mineral ore body adjacent to D’Entrecasteaux National Park with estimates that the deposit would provide 1.8Mt of minerals. Feasibility and environmental studies are well advanced. An environmental impact statement for the project is being prepared.
Expenditure: $60 million
Employment: construction 100, operations 50
Mineral Sands Mine - Happy Valley
Project under consideration
Bemax Cable Sands (WA) Pty Ltd
Located adjacent to Bemax’s Gwindinup deposits, the project will involve the mining of mineral sands from two deposits (Happy Valley North and South) located on private land and in State forest. The level of assessment for the project has been set at Environmental Review and Management Program. Environmental impact studies for the proposed mine development have been completed. Happy Valley contains a reserve of around 6 Mt of ore at a heavy mineral grade of 11.3 per cent.
Expenditure: $35 million
Employment: construction 100, operations 30
Mineral Sands Mine - Tutunup
Project under consideration
Iluka Resources Limited
Iluka proposes to develop the Tutunup South mineral sands mine, located approximately 15 km south east of Busselton. The project will include the construction of mine pits, solar drying dams, ore concentrator and associated mine infrastructure. The mine is expected to produce over 1.2 Mt of heavy mineral concentrate over its five to six year life, which will be transported to Capel for further processing. Tutunup South is scheduled to commence operation in Q4 2009, subject to obtaining necessary government approvals, and will replace Iluka’s Wagerup mine site.
Expenditure: $25 million
Employment: construction 150, operations 40
Muja South Expansion
Project under consideration
Griffin Coal Mining Company Pty Ltd
Griffin Coal is planning a proposed extension of Muja Mine, located 18 km south east of Collie. The Muja South Expansion is west of Griffin Coal’s Muja Mine, intended to form the next phase in the development of the Ewington coal seams. Mining is expected to commence in 2012.
Coal Mine - Ewington 2
Project under construction
Griffin Coal Mining Company Pty Ltd
Griffin Coal commenced mining its Ewington I coal deposit in April 2009, approximately 2km east of Collie. The coal mine, which has estimated coal resources of 408Mt, will produce approximately 3.4Mt/a of coal for private sector customers and Griffin Energy’s recently commissioned and nearby Bluewaters I power station. The Ewington I coal mine will be an extension of the currently operating Ewington II mine, and will also supply coal to the Bluewaters II power station, which is currently under construction.
Expenditure: $20 million
Bunbury Woodchip Mill
Completed project
WA Plantation Resources
WA Plantation Resources has recently completed the building of a woodchip mill with an estimated production capacity of 700,000 t/a. The logs for the woodchips are being sourced from local (South West) bluegum plantations.
Worsley Capital Development Projects
Completed project
BHP Billiton
The Worsley alumina refinery, located 40 km east of Bunbury, has recently undergone a number of smaller capital upgrades that will increase alumina production by 250,000 tonnes per annum. Being a brownfield development, much of the work undertaken related to modifications, additions and upgrades to existing facilities. There was also a large number of tie-ins to existing pipe-work, electrical and instrumentation systems, distributed over the various facilities. Extensions to the refinery buildings was also part of the scope of the work.