An $850 million iron ore export facility has been approved for Western Australia's Port Hedland outer harbour.
Global mining company BHP Billiton announced yesterday (February 2) that it has approved a pre-commitment for the project, which is expected to process 100 million metric tonnes per year.
The mining construction project will begin its first phase in 2016, while exports are expected to commence in 2020.
Major infrastructure works will feature as part of the initial stage, including a four kilometre jetty, a four-berth wharf and 32 kilometres of dredged departure channel, as well as stockyards and a rail spur landside.
A report to the WA state government from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the project will be subject to a two week public appeal period, closing February 6.
According to the EPA, the site will be looking to dredge and dispose of approximately 42 million cubic metres of sediment – however the agency believes that the activity could be conducted in a way would not compromise the marine environment.