THE THIRD biggest salt project in the world has begun operations in the Pilbara and will export through a new port facility and 2.4 kilometre long jetty at Mardie.
Managed by the Pilbara Ports Authority BCI Minerals Mardie Salt and Potash Project will be Australia’s biggest solar salt project.
BCI Minerals will use transhipment services from its jetty which it said 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.
Construction of the Mardie Project began in February 2022 and is now more than half complete, with more than $700 million invested to date. The construction phase of the project will generate around 750 jobs and, once fully operational, will support more than 140 permanent, full-time jobs.
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.
A media release from state premier Roger Cook said salt was an essential ingredient in many manufacturing processes, including batteries and solar panels, and 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.
The project was granted lead agency status by the state government, helping to streamline approvals.
Operations at the site began with the filling of its initial evaporation ponds.
Mines and petroleum minister, David Michael, said 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.”
