BHP approves $900 million Ministers North Iron Ore Project in Pilbara
2026-07-17 12:00:10 [Print]
BHP has approved a $900 million investment (on a 100% basis) to develop the Ministers North high-grade Brockman iron ore deposit in Western Australia's Pilbara region. The project is expected to support the company's medium-term Western Australia Iron Ore (WAIO) production target of more than 305 million metric tons per year.
Located southeast of the existing Yandi mine, Ministers North will operate as a satellite extension, leveraging Yandi's established processing, rail, and port infrastructure. The project is projected to deliver an internal return of over 30%. Development plans include the construction of a 13-kilometer haul road and land bridge, upgrades to existing facilities, and the installation of new primary and secondary crushers at Yandi. Construction is set to begin in July, with first ore targeted for the 2028–29 financial year. Once fully operational, annual production is expected to reach approximately 20 million metric tons.
Ministers North will produce direct-shipping iron ore fines through dry crushing and screening. The project is owned by BHP (85%), Itochu Corporation (8%), and Mitsui & Co. (7%).
Located southeast of the existing Yandi mine, Ministers North will operate as a satellite extension, leveraging Yandi's established processing, rail, and port infrastructure. The project is projected to deliver an internal return of over 30%. Development plans include the construction of a 13-kilometer haul road and land bridge, upgrades to existing facilities, and the installation of new primary and secondary crushers at Yandi. Construction is set to begin in July, with first ore targeted for the 2028–29 financial year. Once fully operational, annual production is expected to reach approximately 20 million metric tons.
Ministers North will produce direct-shipping iron ore fines through dry crushing and screening. The project is owned by BHP (85%), Itochu Corporation (8%), and Mitsui & Co. (7%).
