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| Onslow Iron |
Onslow Iron Project Ramps Up Towards 35Mtpa Production
Mineral Resources (MinRes) has commenced operations with its fourth transhipper for the Onslow Iron project in Western Australia, marking a significant milestone in its goal to achieve 35 million tonnes per year (Mtpa) of iron ore production.
Enhanced Transhipping Fleet for Efficient Export
Once Onslow Iron product reaches the Port of Ashburton, it is transported via a fleet of transhippers to ocean-going vessels (OGVs) anchored 40km offshore. The MinRes transhippers, each measuring 123m long and 36m wide, can carry 20,000 tonnes (t) of ore using a self-loading system. They have a loading rate of 8000t per hour and an unloading rate of 6000t per hour.
Designed with a shallow seven-metre draft, these transhippers minimize environmental impact and operational costs while enhancing efficiency. The first three transhippers—MinRes Airlie, MinRes Coolibah, and MinRes Montebello—arrived in 2024, contributing to the project's rapid scale-up.
With the arrival of the fourth transhipper, MinRes Rosily, the transhipping capacity is set to increase to 28Mtpa, bringing MinRes closer to its full operational potential.
Strategic Expansion and Future Developments
MinRes’ executive general manager of marine, Jeff Weber, highlighted the importance of the transhipper fleet: “Our transhipping operation is an integral component of Onslow Iron’s innovative transport solution that has unlocked stranded iron ore deposits in the West Pilbara. It’s exciting to welcome the fourth transhipper to the fleet, with all vessels playing a critical role in the project’s ramp-up. In the coming months, we will welcome our fifth vessel, which will complete our initial fleet and set us up as the largest and most sophisticated transhipping operation in Australia.”
To further support the transhipping operation, MinRes has deployed two crew transfer vessels (CTVs), named MinRes Element and MinRes Incentive. These vessels facilitate the transfer of marine crew, marine pilots, and surveyors between shore, transhippers, and OGVs. Additionally, they transport provisions and equipment while assisting in emergency responses, including cyclone-related safety measures.
With the full fleet soon operational, MinRes continues to solidify its position as a leader in transhipping efficiency, ensuring the successful export of Onslow Iron’s high-quality ore to global markets.
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