Terra Mining expands operations into the Pilbara

Terra Mining is pleased to announce the signing of contracts on Monday 24th June, 2024 for it to operate the Paulsens East Iron Ore Mine in Western Australia’s Pilbara region on behalf of Miracle Iron.

Paulsens East is located about 230km from the township of Onslow and consists of a 3km long outcropping. With Terra having long-standing operations well established in Kalgoorlie and the Mid-West, this expansion into the Pilbara signifies its first project in the region.

Ree Dai, Terra Mining’s Managing Director, spoke to the successful completion of contracts, stating “It’s exciting to be partnering with Miracle Iron and commencing in the Pilbara, helping to create regional jobs and opportunities while continuing our story of growth that’s powered by talent. This is a fantastic opportunity for us to demonstrate our proven strength in production.”

New camp facilities and site infrastructure will be developed to support site operations, with construction and operations requirements creating over 180 jobs within the local economy.

Terra’s Chief Operations Officer Barry Cook referenced the scope of Terra’s appointment and benefit it will bring to the region, saying “Across construction, operations and logistics – Paulsens East will create jobs at every step. Our appointment will see us hold statutory roles on-site, with responsibility for all Management, Engineering, Drill & Blast, Operations and Crushing. Initial export will be undertaken through Utah Port, prior to transferring to the newly upgraded Port of Onslow once those works are completed. Both on-site and throughout the logistics and supply train, this project is a job creator that will deliver benefits for stakeholders and communities.”

With an initial contract mining plan for five years with the option of a further four based upon resource quality, Paulsens East is projected to produce 1.5 Mtpa of DSO hematite ore for export.

The site presents with a ‘high-grade’ hematite ridge and a JORC Indicated Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) of 9.6Mt @ 61.1% Fe, 6.0% SiO2, 3.6% AI2O3, 0.08% P (at a cut-off grade of 58% Fe). Initial planning calls for mining operations to ramp up considerably across the first three months to achieve projected mining and processing targets.  

“Mobilisation and resourcing are already well advanced,” added Mr Dai, concluding “This project is not just an opportunity for Terra to repay continued market confidence, but for our team to demonstrate their skillsets for a new client in a market we’ve strategically targeted. It’s gratifying, however we know it’s just the beginning.”

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