Port Hedland outer harbour a beanfeast for suppliers

BHP Billiton has released a raft of documents, many technical and scientific, as it seeks environmental approvals for the giant project. While there is extensive coverage of the development’s impact on turtles, corals and many other animals and plants, the documents reveal extensive details of the project’s parameters.

The planned outer harbor development of 240mtpa will, in capacity terms, match the inner harbour’s limit of 240mtpa. It will involve construction of 8 berths and 4 shiploaders at the end of a 2km wharf.
The expansion is to be undertaken in 4 stages, each taking 2 to 3 years, with first production anticipated around 2016/17, and the final one not completed to around 2028.

The staged developments are predicated on favourable conditions in iron ore markets, and firm prices, so a major downturn in China could impact plans.

Some of the major project parameters include:
•    940 hectares of vegetation to clear
•    300mtpa landside infrastructure capacity
•    5 conveyors up to 8kms in length
•    Staged stockyards development, each comprising ore stockpiles, 1 car dumper, 2 stackers, reclaimer and lump screening plant
•    2 rescreened fines yard
•    5 rail loops, 1 for each car dumper
•    32km rail spur connection
•    2 km wharf
•    8 berths and 4 shiploaders
•    4 km jetty
•    34 km shipping channel

Contact: www.bhpbilliton.com