- BCI Minerals' Mardie Salt and Potash Project begins operations
- Project to become the largest solar salt project in Australia and the third largest globally
- In line with the Cook Government's Diversify WA economic development framework
- Project supports economic diversification of the Pilbara
The third largest solar salt project in the world has commenced operations in the Pilbara, after BCI Minerals received final approval for its Mardie Salt and Potash Project.
Located 80 kilometres 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.
An essential ingredient in many manufacturing processes, including batteries and solar panels, the uplift in Western Australia's industrial salt production will support the economic diversification of the Pilbara, and help to establish the State as a global clean energy powerhouse.
Construction of the Mardie Project commenced in February 2022 and is now more than halfway complete, with more than $700 million invested to date. The construction phase of the Project will generate around 750 jobs and, once fully operational, the Mardie Project will 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.
The first export of high-quality industrial salt is expected to occur in 2027.
Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:
"This is a fantastic milestone for the Mardie Project, with approval now given through both the State and Commonwealth governments for operations to commence.
"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.
"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."
Comments attributed to Mines and Petroleum Minister David Michael:
"Mardie is the first salt project to be developed in Australia in 25 years and its product will meet growing demand for industrial salt from Asia.
"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.
"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."
As stated by Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
"I'm excited to see this major economic project for the Pilbara getting underway.
"The Mardie Project will help to diversify our economy and create hundreds of quality jobs for local workers."
