MinRes, an Australian mineral resources company, has closed the Yilgarn iron ore mine to focus on advancing the Onslow project.

Published: Jan 6, 2025 18:00

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Mineral Resources (hereinafter referred to as MinRes) has shut down its Yilgarn iron ore mining operations in Western Australia, transitioning them into care and maintenance mode. Mining and transportation at the core Koolyanobbing iron ore mine within the Yilgarn operations concluded in early December 2024, while mining and transportation at other sites ceased by December 25.

On June 20, 2024, MinRes released an update on its Yilgarn iron ore operations. Following a comprehensive feasibility assessment, it was determined that the Yilgarn operations would no longer remain economically viable after the end of 2024. Consequently, MinRes is expected to cease iron ore transportation from the Yilgarn operations by December 31, 2024. With the closure of the Yilgarn operations, the company will shift its focus to the development of its Onslow iron ore project in Western Australia, which is expected to have an annual iron ore capacity of 35 million mt, significantly ensuring MinRes' iron ore production.

The Yilgarn iron ore operations include the Koolyanobbing, Mt Jackson, Windarling, Parker Range, and Carina mines. Due to the limited mine life within the Yilgarn operations and the substantial investment required to develop new resources, MinRes has decided to cease operations in this region. Since MinRes began operating the Koolyanobbing mine in 2018, the company has exported nearly 45 million mt of iron ore through the Port of Esperance and invested approximately 4.2 billion yuan in the Yilgarn operations.

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