• Project on track to create 3,600 construction jobs and 2,000 permanent positions

Premier and State Development Minister Colin Barnett today welcomed a major milestone in the development of the $10billion Roy Hill iron ore project north of Newman.

Late last night Roy Hill Holdings confirmed the finalisation of a funding package for the project, taking it a step closer to its first shipment of iron ore, currently expected in September 2015.

“With a nameplate capacity of 55 million tonnes per annum (mtpa), the Roy Hill project is one of the most significant projects to be proposed in recent years,” Mr Barnett said.

“The Western Australian Government has worked closely with the project proponents to progress the Roy Hill project to this point, including the negotiation and implementation of a State Agreement, and all primary approvals are now in place.”

The Roy Hill project comprises an open pit mine, a processing plant, 344km of heavy haul railway and export facilities at Port Hedland.

The project is expected to generate a peak construction workforce of 3,600 workers and once operational is expected to create 2,000 permanent jobs.

“Roy Hill Holdings’ continued pursuit of this project represents a substantial vote of confidence in the future of WA’s resources sector,” the Premier said.

“This is great news for workers in mining and construction and shows there are still opportunities out there despite recent reports of a slowing of growth.”

The Roy Hill project is expected to make a substantial contribution to the Western Australian economy, with almost $3billion already spent or committed on local content to date.

“This project is an example of the technical excellence required in the modern mining industry, with a state-of-the-art remote operations centre in the process of completion,” Mr Barnett said.

“I congratulate all involved in helping the Roy Hill project reach this important milestone, including parent company Hancock Prospecting, investment partners Marubeni Corporation, POSCO and China Steel Corporation.”

         Fact File

• The mine will have a mine life of more than 20 years and a nameplate capacity of 55mtpa
• The Roy Hill site contains an estimated resource of 2.4 billion tonnes of iron ore
• It will be the biggest single-pit iron ore mining project in Australia
• The mine is expected to generate up to $400million per annum in State royalties once fully operational