IRON ORE PROCESSING HUB BEGINS TO TAKE SHAPE

Fluor Corp has overseen the erection of the first 1500t of modules that will make up BHP’s US$3.6 billion South Flank iron ore project in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

When operational, South Flank will be one of the largest iron ore processing hubs in the world. The project will include an 80Mt/year crushing and screening plant, an overland conveyor system and rail-loading facilities.

South Flank engineering and procurement work is being performed from BHP's office in Perth, with Fluor working together with BHP as an integrated project team.

“We are extremely proud of what we have been able to accomplish with BHP on this project including our commitment to achieve diversity through the hiring of indigenous and local team members,” said Tony Morgan, president of Fluor’s Mining and Metals business. “The pioneering integrated team approach on this project is truly a collaborative effort. We look forward to continuing our long and successful relationship with BHP on this project and beyond.”

“The project team has worked extremely hard to get the project to this position,” said Richard Gerspacher, project director. “Based on the project routines and culture we've created, I am confident that the project will continue to proceed in a positive manner as we work towards first ore.”

Over the life of the project, it is expected that more than 9000 people will be engaged in the South Flank workforce. Construction began in July 2018, and first production of iron ore is scheduled for 2021.