Arrium Mining Reopens Iron Baron in Middleback Ranges

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Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy Tom Koutsantonis last week officially reopened Arrium Mining’s Iron Baron iron ore mine in South Australia’s Middleback Ranges near Whyalla.

Mr Koutsantonis said the historic reopening of the Iron Baron mine will provide 100 new jobs and support a range of businesses across the Upper Spencer Gulf region.

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“Local suppliers were instrumental in the development with many Whyalla-based companies subcontracted to perform numerous aspects of the work,” Mr Koutsantonis said.

“At full capacity, Iron Baron is expected to contribute about 2 million tonnes of haematite per year – close to a third of existing annual export haematite volumes from Whyalla.

“That’s enough iron ore to fill a Cape-size vessel every month.”

Adertisement

Arrium Mining Chief Executive Greg Waters said the new-look operations represented a significant investment, particularly through the construction of a new Ore Beneficiation Plant and crushing and screening facilities.

“These operations form part of a $400 million program to extend our iron ore reserves for at least the next 10 years,” he said.

“This reopening is therefore a significant step in increasing the life of our mining operations and great news for not only Arrium Mining, but also Whyalla and the State.

“This is also part of a larger investment throughout South Australia incorporating the Middleback Ranges operations, our Southern Iron operations near Coober Pedy, and the ongoing Whyalla Port Expansion Project.

“All of this will see our mining footprint grow substantially from six million tonnes per year to 11 million tonnes per year by mid-2013, and our mining workforce significantly increasing to about 2000 people.”

Mr Koutsantonis congratulated Arrium Mining for its ongoing investment in South Australia that will continue to underpin the economy and regional development in the Upper Spencer Gulf.

http://www.premier.sa.gov.au