One of the largest solar salt projects in the world has commenced operations in the Pilbara, Western Australia.
BCI Minerals received final approval for its Mardie Salt and Potash Project, located 80km south-west of Karratha.
The project is capable of producing 5.3 million tonnes of high-quality industrial salt for export to customers around the world.
Industrial salt is an essential ingredient in many manufacturing processes, including batteries and solar panels.
Construction of the Mardie Project commenced in February 2022 and is now more than halfway complete, with more than $700 million invested to date.
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The construction phase of the Project is expected to generate around 750 jobs and, once fully operational, the Mardie Project aims to support over 140 permanent, full-time jobs.
In recognition of its significance to WA, the project was granted Lead Agency status by the state government, helping to streamline approvals.
Operations at the site commenced with the filling of its initial evaporation ponds. Salt will be exported through a new port facility and jetty stretching 2.4 km, which is located at Mardie and managed by the Pilbara Ports Authority.
BCI Minerals will use transhipment services from its jetty which enables direct, efficient, and cost-effective access to key markets by loading ocean-going vessels up to Newcastlemax size.
WA Premier Roger cook said it is a fantastic milestone for the Mardie Project.
“The Pilbara is a hub of activity for Western Australia with the State Government committed to expanding and diversifying its ever growing list of exportable goods,” he said.
“Once the Mardie Project becomes fully operational, WA will be well placed to become a major player on the global stage with one of the world’s largest solar salt projects.”
Mines and petroleum minister David Michael said Mardie is the first salt project to be developed in Australia in 25 years.
“Uniquely this project will also produce sulphate of potash, a high-value fertiliser that will be exported to grow various crops and help feed people around the world,” Michael said.
“The project also has a relatively small environmental footprint, given it uses plentiful sea water and is powered almost entirely by renewable energy sources, notably solar and wind.”
The first export of high-quality industrial salt is expected to occur in 2027.