DREDGING for the new Lumsden Point facility at Port Hedland has been completed a week early.
The JFJ De Nul cutter suction dredge has now left the port after removing around a million cubic metres of material.
The dredging has created a deeper access channel, swing basin and berth pockets to ensure the safe and efficient berthing of vessels at the new facility.
Lumsden Point will facilitate the export of battery metals such as lithium and copper concentrates, the import of renewable energy infrastructure including wind turbines and blades, as well as support the growth of direct shipping services to the Pilbara.
The Australian Government is investing $565 million in common user port upgrades in the Pilbara, $450 million of which will enable the development of new multi-user facilities and berths at Lumsden Point.
This is in partnership with the Western Australian Government, which is contributing $96.6 million to the project.
BHP, Fortescue, Roy Hill and the Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd/Mineral Resources Ltd Joint Venture have committed a total of $65 million towards dredging costs.
